A Five-day Orthostatic Training Program Improves Cardiovascular Response in Intensive Care Patients

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the cardiovascular response to passive orthostatic training. Method: Intensive care patients were recruited. Patients in Control group underwent conventional physical therapy. Patients in the Training group additionally underwent daily assistive standing training with the use of an orthostatic bed for five days. All patients in the Training group were evaluated while on the orthostatic table (at rest for 10 minutes, at 75 degrees of inclination for 40 minutes and after returning to the supine position). Heart rate and mean arterial pressure were assessed at each stage. Both groups were assessed at baseline and after seven days. Results: After the 5-day intervention patients from Control group had their mean arterial pressure decreased significantly (19 mmHg in average) when compared to baseline mean arterial pressure at the moment they had their body position elevated, with the worsening of postural hypotension in the following minutes, pattern which not found in the Training group patients. Conclusion: A five-day orthostatic training in intensive care patients can be safely performed and improves cardiovascular response.