Instantaneous, easy, and non-invasive measurement of blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac output: usefulness in physiotherapy

Abstract

The continuous and non-invasive measurement of the main hemodynamic parameters including heart rate, blood pressure, and stroke volume allows evaluating the hemodynamic changes occurring either during one workout in order to look for beneficial or deleterious hemodynamic effects, or after several sessions (longitudinal approach) to measure the effects of one specific training or treatment. These non-invasive devices do not provide more information than the invasive ones; however, they are easier to implement and may be used in “intermediate” and less monitored patients. They contribute not only to enhance knowledge in the field of physiology by quantifying the responses that accompany physiotherapy exercises but also to compare different management strategies, thus improving patient’s care.