TITLE:
Cardiac Rehabilitation Following Orthotropic Heart Transplantation in a Young Adult: A Case Report
AUTHORS:
Othman Saif Al-Rawahi, Nuha Issa Alshuaili, Ameir Khamis Altobi
KEYWORDS:
Heart Transplantation, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy, Functional Recovery, Exercise Tolerance
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation,
Vol.14 No.3,
June
30,
2026
ABSTRACT: Heart transplantation is the definitive treatment for end-stage heart failure. Post-transplant patients commonly experience deconditioning, muscle atrophy, and functional decline. This case report describes the implementation of Phase I cardiac rehabilitation in a 30-year-old male who underwent orthotropic heart transplantation for idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Early physiotherapy, initiated on postoperative day two, resulted in progressive improvements in muscle strength, functional independence, and exercise tolerance. By the final inpatient session, the patient ambulated over 300 meters unaided and climbed stairs independently. These findings support the integration of structured early rehabilitation in post-transplant care.