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Objective: To explore the effectiveness and feasibility of strengthening inspiratory muscle training program matching the preoperative waiting time for patients with valvular heart disease in China with limited resources in preventing postoperative pulmonary complications(PPCs). Method: Patients undergoing elective heart valve surgery were randomly divided into control group and intervention group, with 65 patients in each group. All the enrolled patients received a routine physical therapy program before surgery, and the intervention group received an additional 3 days of enhanced inspiratory muscle training program before surgery. The incidence of postoperative complications was recorded for all patients within 14 days after surgery, respiratory function and motor capacity (6-minute walking test) were tested for all patients on the day of admission and discharge, and the length of postoperative hospital stay was counted. Result: Compared with the control group, the incidence of PPCs was lower in the intervention group (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.07—4.47, P=0.03), and the walking distance was longer (P=0.01). There was no statistical difference in lung function and length of hospital stay (P>0.05), and no adverse events occurred during training. There was no significant difference in general demographic characteristics between the two groups before treatment. The incidence of PPCs in the intervention group was lower than that in the control group (P< 0.05), and the 6minute walking distance at discharge was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in lung function and postoperative hospital stay between the intervention group and the control group (P>0.05), and no adverse events occurred during training. Conclusion: Enhanced inspiratory muscle training 3 days before surgery is safe and feasible in patients with elective heart valves and can reduce postoperative pulmonary complications and improve the level of motor function at discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]