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The la-z-boy position and muscle blood flow in the lower limbs
Insights
The la-z-boy position, often used to help patients sit up after surgery, does not impede lower limb muscle blood flow. This finding suggests it is safe for reducing pulmonary complications without increasing thrombosis risk.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Surgical Recovery
- Vascular Physiology
Background:
- Post-surgical patients are encouraged to sit upright to prevent pulmonary complications.
- The la-z-boy position offers a practical method for maintaining patient elevation, reducing nursing workload.
- Concerns exist regarding potential negative impacts of this position on lower limb circulation and venous thrombosis risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of the la-z-boy position on gastrocnemius muscle blood flow.
- To determine if the la-z-boy position increases the risk of venous thrombosis compared to a conventional position.
Main Methods:
- Healthy volunteers were recruited for the study.
- Blood flow in the gastrocnemius muscle was measured in two positions: la-z-boy and straight-leg.
- Measurements were compared between the two positions.
Main Results:
- No clinically significant difference in gastrocnemius muscle blood flow was observed between the la-z-boy and straight-leg positions.
- No statistically significant difference in blood flow was detected, indicating no impairment.
Conclusions:
- The la-z-boy position does not appear to negatively affect muscle blood flow in the lower limbs.
- This position is likely safe for post-surgical patients regarding venous thrombosis risk.
Abstract:
Patients are encouraged to sit upright in bed after surgery in order to reduce the risk of pulmonary complications. Adjusting the hospital bed to place the patient in the la-z-boy position minimizes the work of nursing staff in maintaining the patient in an upright position. This study was designed to answer concerns that the la-z-boy position might impair muscle blood flow in the lower limbs and thereby predispose patients to venous thrombosis. In 11 healthy volunteers the authors measured and compared blood flow from the gastrocnemius muscle in the la-z-boy position and in the more conventional straight-leg position. There was no clinically or statistically significant difference in blood flow in the two positions.