Cardiovascular Response to Crutch Walking in Patients with Ilizarov Device

Abstract

Crutch ambulation has been an accepted way of mobility in patients undergoing limb lengthening with ilizarov device. However, there has been  reports increased change in cardiovascular parameters during ambulation (dizziness, fatigue and palpitation). The main objective of this study is to  determine the response (changes) in cardiovascular parameters (blood pressure and heart rate) during crutch walking in patients on ilizarov device.  The methods employed for this studies were; a total of 15 patients with ilizarov device were recruited using convenient sampling technique, 12(80%)  were men and 3(12%) were females. Participants were subjected to crutch ambulation within their self-determined comfortable pace. Each  participant covered a total of 91m to and fro. Data was collected pre and post crutch walking. The study design was a quasi-experimental design  which was analysed using descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation to summarise subject’s age, while student t-test was used to test the  level of significance of the variables of interest at 0.05. The results obtained were: There were significant increase in blood pressure (p<0.000)  and heart rate (p<0.000) in response to crutch walking in patients with ilizarov device. It also showed insignificant gender difference in the  parameters. This study found significant changes in cardiovascular parameters during crutch walking, while there was no significant gender  variation. In conclusion, clinicians should adopt proper evaluation of subjects prior to crutch walking, and further studies should be carried out to  investigate the factors responsible for the changes in the cardiovascular parameters during crutch walking in participant with ilizarov device.