Research Journal of Medical Sciences

Year: 2009
Volume: 3
Issue: 1
Page No. 12 - 15

The Effects of Therapeutic Passive Movement on Cardiovascular Response in Stroke Patients

Authors : Fyne Stephen Achugbue

Abstract: Patients with cerebrovascular accident who are especially still in coma secondary to hypertension require some passive movement to prevent complications that may arise from immobility. There could be consequential effects of passive movement on the blood pressure of such patients. The aim of the study therefore, is to investigate the effects of Repetitive Passive Movements (RPM) on the cardiovascular parameters of stroke patients. Thirty subjects, who were purposefully selected, participated in the study. Fifteen hypertensive hemiplegic patients (sex: 3 males, 12 females; age: 64.2±13.66; side: 10 right, 5 left) served as stroke group. Fifteen normal age-matched (normotensive) subjects (sex: 5 males, 10 females; age: 58.33±12.89) served as the control group. Each subject was asked to lie on supine position on a plinth or bed. Fifty RPM was then carried out on the affected lower limb for the stroke group and any lower limb for the Normotensive (NT) group. Pre and post cardiovascular parameters (SBP, DBP and HR) were then taken using a non invasive blood pressure (sphygmomanometer and stethoscope) apparatus. The MAP was then computed from the variables. RPM caused a decrease in cardiovascular parameters, which were not statistically significant (p>0.05). However, there was significant reduction in MAP of the stroke group as well as in DBP of the NT group (p<0.05). The independent t-test analysis revealed that pre-RPM (SBP and HR) and post RPM (HR) were more significantly reduced in stroke patients than NT subjects (p<0.05). Therapeutic passive movement causes a decrease in blood pressure and an increase in blood flow to the immobilized tissues of the stroke patients with an enhanced efficient heart functions. Studies on its effects on congestive heart failure should begin to arouse ones interest.

How to cite this article:

Fyne Stephen Achugbue , 2009. The Effects of Therapeutic Passive Movement on Cardiovascular Response in Stroke Patients. Research Journal of Medical Sciences, 3: 12-15.

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