The Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on Haemodynamic Responses in a Neurological Intensive Care

The Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on the Ankle-Brachial Index and Haemodynamic Responses in Patients in a Neurological Intensive Care Unit: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Although there are studies examining the effect of actively performed PNF exercises on haemodynamic responses in intensive care patients and healthy individuals, there are no studies investigating their effect on circulation and haemodynamic responses in unconscious patients. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the acute effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) exercises on peripheral circulation and haemodynamic responses in patients admitted to a neurological intensive care unit.

Hypotheses:

H1-1: Passively administered PNF exercises have beneficial effects on peripheral circulation.

H2-1: Passively administered PNF exercises have beneficial effects on haemodynamic responses.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients being monitored in the neurology intensive care unit
• Aged 18 years or over
• Haemodynamically stable
• No orthopaedic condition preventing the performance of passive joint movements in the upper and lower limbs
• A signed informed consent form from a patient's next of relative for participation in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of haemodynamic instability
• Fractures, contractures or serious orthopaedic conditions in the upper or lower limbs that restrict movement
• Diagnosis or suspicion of deep vein thrombosis
• Severe peripheral arterial disease
• Serious cardiac arrhythmia that may prevent exercise