Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Lettner, G.
Effects of Partial Weight Loading on Physiological Responses in Post-Surgical Patients
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Medizinische Universität Graz; 2022. pp. 60
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Goswami Nandu
- Schmid-Zalaudek Karin
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Background After cardiac surgery, patients are often immobile for prolonged periods of time and subjected to strict bedrest. The horizontal body position and decreased muscle activity have negative effects on the human body. Incipient muscle loss, decreased cardio postural adaptability, and orthostatic hypotension lead to increased fall risk and mortality. To counteract this and to improve the rehabilitation process, in this study we investigated the effects of 10 minutes per day 15° head up tilt position on post-surgical patients. Hemodynamic parameters where measured after cardiac surgery. Methodology A prospective study design was chosen to address the research question. Patients were assigned to a control group (n=8) in which no head-up tilt was carried out and an intervention group (n=8) in which they underwent 10 minutes per day of 15° head up tilt position for seven days post-operation. Mean arterial pressure, total peripheral resistance index and heart rate responses to a supine-to-stand test were recorded on the second and seventh postoperative days. Results Statistical analysis of the results showed a significant main effects in terms of a higher heart rate in the intervention group (F(1, 7)=6.76, p<.035, η2= .49) upon standing up and in terms of lower total peripheral resistance index during the end of the recovery phase in the intervention group (F(1,7)=6.059, p=.0043, η2=.0464). The parameter mean arterial pressure (F(1, 7)=4.156, p=.081, η2=.37) showed no significant effects across the two groups. Discussion Higher heart rate increase during sit-to-stand test in the intervention group suggests that the tilted patients had received enough orthostatic loading. Orthostatic loading is known to improve blood flow in the leg muscles and maintain general tissue perfusion. Lower peripheral resistance during recovery from orthostatic stress suggests that higher orthostatic loading also counteracted deconditioning of the baroreceptor reflex in the intervention group. Thereby, our study shows that ten minutes of head-up tilting a day can safely be used in intensive care units to ensure patients health.