An investigation of the effect of continuous passive motion and lower limb passive movement on heart rate in normal volunteers

Previous studies have indicated that passive movement of the lower limb may affect cardiopulmonary function via a neuronal reflex activated by afferent inputs from articular receptors. This study compared the effect of lower limb continuous passive motion, lower limb passive movement and lower limb active movement on heart rate in normal volunteers. These techniques are used extensively by physiotherapists in clinical practice. A knowledge of the influence of these techniques on cardiac function should be an important factor in designing maintenance programmes for patients with cardiovascular disorders. The study shows that while lower limb active movement has a significant effect on heart rate, lower limb passive movement and lower limb continuous passive motion produce only a small increase in heart rate. This suggests that lower limb passive motion and continuous passive motion are techniques which may be safely used as a means of maintaining lower limb range of movement and function in the treatment of patients whose cardiovascular system is compromised, although further study is necessary to establish that such patients respond similarly.