[Exercise-induced cardiodynamic changes in invalids after leg amputation]

Cardiodynamic studies by one-dimensional echocardiography were performed in 45 disabled persons with various lower limb amputations at rest and during graded bicycle ergometer exercises. The disabled included males aged 20-40 years with posttraumatic limb amputations who had no respiratory and circulatory disorders. The results of the studies were comparable with the data obtained in the control group. The handicapped were found to have significant cardiodynamic changes which were regarded as sequelae of weight and vascular bed loss. On exercise, there was loss of capacity to adequately enhance venous return and left ventricular diastolic filling, which was evidenced by concurrently decreased end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes and no increased systolic ejection. At the same time there was a regular reduction in myocardial contractility.