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[Patterns of blood pressure and pulse frequency in infants during Vojta therapy]
Insights
Physiotherapy according to Vojta significantly increases blood pressure in infants, with pulse frequency showing a less pronounced rise. This increased physiological strain warrants consideration in infants with cardiovascular conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Physiotherapy
- Cardiovascular Physiology
Context:
- Vojta physiotherapy is a common neurodevelopmental treatment for infants.
- Physiological responses to Vojta therapy in infants are not fully understood.
- Assessing hemodynamic changes during infant physiotherapy is crucial for safety.
Purpose:
- To measure blood pressure and pulse frequency changes in infants during Vojta physiotherapy.
- To identify specific Vojta exercises that elicit significant physiological responses.
- To evaluate the potential risks of Vojta therapy in infants with cardiovascular disease.
Summary:
- Blood pressure increased significantly during Vojta physiotherapy exercises, averaging 60 mm Hg and 52 mm Hg above rest for "reflex reversion" and "reflex supporting" respectively.
- Pulse frequency showed a modest increase, comparable to levels observed during crying.
- Sustained muscle contractions, intrathoracic pressure variations, and infant emotional state are potential causes for blood pressure elevation.
Impact:
- Highlights the substantial cardiovascular strain infants may experience during Vojta physiotherapy.
- Suggests that Vojta therapy may pose an additional risk for infants with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
- Emphasizes the need for careful monitoring and consideration of cardiac status during infant physiotherapy interventions.
Abstract:
In twenty infants aged seven weeks on average blood pressure and pulse frequency were measured during physiotherapy according to Vojta. At one of the exercises ("reflex reversion") blood pressure increased at an average of 60 mm Hg compared with the basic value under rest conditions. At another exercise ("reflex supporting") blood pressure reached about 52 mm Hg higher values as under rest conditions. The pulse frequency, however, showed a less impressive increase: it corresponded approximately to the value measured during crying. As probable causes for the increase of blood pressure are discussed: sustained muscle contractions, varied intrathoracal pressure conditions, and the emotional irritations of the infants. In infants with cardiovascular disease the increased strain during physiotherapy according to Vojta should be taken into account as an additional risk.