Blood pressure and pulse rate changes associated with cervical traction

Area of Science:

• Physiotherapy
• Cardiovascular Physiology

Background:

• The study investigated the physiological effects of cervical traction.
• Cervical traction is a common physical therapy intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To observe the effects of 10-minute continuous cervical traction on arterial blood pressure and pulse rate.
• To assess the impact of cervical traction on key cardiovascular parameters.

Main Methods:

• Forty healthy subjects participated.
• Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and pulse rate (PR) were measured before, during, and after 10% body weight cervical traction.
• Measurements were taken using an electronic sphygmomanometer.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant increase (P < 0.05) in SBP, DBP, and PR was observed post-traction.
• Mean SBP increased from 114.6 mmHg to 123.5 mmHg.
• Mean DBP increased from 72.4 mmHg to 77.9 mmHg, and mean PR increased from 71.7 to 78.2 beats/min.

Conclusions:

• Clinicians should thoroughly evaluate cardiovascular parameters before initiating cervical traction.
• The findings highlight the need for caution regarding cardiovascular responses to cervical traction.