Standardized blood pressure measurement protocols for physical therapists provide essential guidelines to accurately assess cardiovascular status and guide exercise prescription.
This paper presents recommended guidelines for accurate blood pressure measurement by physical therapists to guide exercise prescription and clinical decisions.
Vital sign measurement and assessment are important components of the review of systems in a physical therapy examination for individuals with and without documented cardiopulmonary disease. The measurement of blood pressure gives the therapist information regarding the patient's baseline cardiovascular status, response to exercise/activity, and guides exercise prescription. Accurate measurement of blood pressure is critical for making appropriate clinical decisions especially if physical therapists wish to play an important role as primary health care providers. The purpose of this paper is to present recommended guidelines for blood pressure measurement by physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.
Frese et al. (2011) conducted a review in Hypertension. Standardized blood pressure measurement protocols was evaluated. Standardized blood pressure measurement protocols for physical therapists provide essential guidelines to accurately assess cardiovascular status and guide exercise prescription.