Influence of passive leg movements on blood circulation on the tilt table in healthy adults

Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 2004 · DOI: 10.1186/1743-0003-1-4 · Published: October 25, 2004

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether passive leg movements during tilt table training can help stabilize blood circulation and prevent fainting in healthy adults. Healthy subjects were tested on a traditional tilt table, and those who experienced fainting or near-fainting were then tested on a tilt stepper, which allows passive stepping movements. The results showed that passive leg movements, whether stepping or cycling, helped stabilize blood circulation and prevent fainting during tilt table testing.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

54 healthy adults

Evidence Level

Level 2; experimental study

Key Findings

1
Passive stepping movements on the tilt stepper significantly reduced the occurrence of near-syncope or syncope compared to the traditional tilt table.
2
Passive cycling movements on the tilt ergometer also significantly reduced the occurrence of near-syncope or syncope compared to the traditional tilt table.
3
Blood pressure was significantly higher at the end of head-up tilt on both the tilt stepper and the tilt ergometer compared to the traditional tilt table.

Research Summary

This study evaluated the effect of passive leg movements on blood circulation during tilt table testing in healthy adults. Two types of passive leg movements were tested: stepping and cycling. The results indicated that both passive stepping and cycling movements helped stabilize blood circulation and prevent neurally-mediated syncope during tilt table testing. The findings suggest that passive leg movements may be a useful strategy for preventing circulatory collapse during mobilization in patients with neurological diseases.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategy

Passive leg movements can be incorporated into tilt table training to improve blood circulation and prevent syncope in patients with neurological conditions.

Device Development

The tilt stepper and tilt ergometer devices can be further developed and refined for use in clinical settings.

Further Research

Future studies should investigate the effects of passive leg movements on blood circulation and syncope in patients with specific neurological conditions.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on healthy young adults, and the results may not be generalizable to other populations.
2
The study did not investigate the long-term effects of passive leg movements on blood circulation and syncope.
3
The comfort levels reported by subjects on the tilt ergometer indicate a need for improvement in device design.

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