Circulatory- and thermoregulatory responses in paraplegic patients to physiotherapeutic procedures

Author(s): List, J.

Journal/Book: Physikalische Medizin Rehabilitationsmedizin Kurortmedizin. 1993; 3/3: 65-71.

Abstract: 13 patients with spinal cord injuries (paraplegia) and a control group of 13 able-bodied persons were treated an 3 different days under controlled conditions (in supine position) with one of the following physiotherapeutic procedures:1) Passive movements of the legs for 10 min, 2) a hot (45 °C) fango-paraffin pack applied to one arm for 20 min, 3) a dynamic muscle training of the arms by weight-lifting for 10 min (1 min work and 1 min rest).The blood flow of the calf was measured with strain gauge venous plethysmography. The blood flow was increased 19.1 % (on average) in the patients after the therapeutic movements of the legs, and 24.0 % (on average) after the tango pack, but there was no increase after the weight-lifting. The control group demonstrated a larger increase in calf blood flow after the heat pack in comparison to the paraplegic subjects. The control group demonstrated only a slight increase after weight-lifting and no change after the (passive) movements of the legs. Skin temperatures of the lower legs of the paraplegics were slightly increased after all 3 therapeutic procedures. Weight-lifting and hot pack resulted in an increased heart rate and energy consumption. The heat pack application resulted in an increased core temperature. These changes were observed in both control and paraplegic groups. The present results suggest that the therapeutic procedures can support the circulatory condition in the paralysed legs and are well tolerated.

Keyword(s): Rückenmarkverletzung

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