Passive Limb Movement Intervals Results in Repeated Hyperemic Responses in Those with Paraplegia

Spinal Cord, 2018 · DOI: 10.1038/s41393-018-0099-6 · Published: October 1, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Cardiovascular Science Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether passive leg movement (PLM) can repeatedly increase blood flow in paralyzed lower limbs of individuals with spinal cord injuries. Nine individuals with paraplegia underwent five one-minute bouts of passive knee extension/flexion, with one-minute recovery periods between each bout. The results showed that despite no changes in heart rate or mean arterial pressure, there were significant and repeatable increases in femoral artery blood flow and skin blood flow during each bout of PLM.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Nine individuals with paraplegia

Evidence Level

Repeated measures

Key Findings

1
Repeated one-minute bouts of PLM resulted in consistent and significant increases in femoral artery blood flow (FABF) during each bout.
2
Skin blood flow (SBF) also significantly increased during each bout of PLM.
3
The hyperemic response to PLM was sustained throughout each one-minute bout, rather than being transient as previously reported.

Research Summary

The study investigated the effects of repeated passive limb movement (PLM) on blood flow in individuals with paraplegia. Nine participants with complete spinal cord injuries underwent five one-minute bouts of PLM with one-minute recovery periods. The results demonstrated that PLM consistently increased femoral artery and skin blood flow, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for improving vascular health in this population.

Practical Implications

Vascular Health Improvement

PLM can potentially improve vascular health and tissue perfusion in the lower limbs of individuals with spinal cord injury.

Prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pressure Ulcers

PLM may reduce blood stasis and improve endothelial function, potentially preventing deep vein thrombosis and pressure ulcers.

Rehabilitation Modality

PLM can be used as a rehabilitation modality to initiate hyperemic responses in the peripheral vasculature, which can facilitate improvement or maintenance of peripheral vascular function.

Study Limitations

1
The study measured SBF and tissue oxygenation on the thigh, while pressure ulcers most commonly form in areas exposed to constant pressure and bony prominences.
2
The study only included individuals with SCI between T3 and T12.
3
Future studies should focus on tissue changes in tissue perfusion where pressure ulcers often occur, and include PLM across the hip joint.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury