Non-invasive continuous measurement of cardiovascular hemodynamic variables during sitting training in patients with cerebrovasular disorder

Sitting training aimed at early mobilization is very important. The training approaches involve gradually lifting up the head of the bed or making the patient directly rise from a recumbent position to a sitting position on the bed. Although it is important to monitor the patient's circulatory dynamics during training, only local monitoring has been used for this purpose to date and circulatory dynamics have not been sufficiently assessed. Hence, for this study, we constructed a non-invasive continuous-measurement system for monitoring circulatory dynamics. This system continuously monitors blood pressure by using the volume-compensation method and measures cardiac output with electrical admittance cardiography. As a case study, we assessed the circulatory dynamics of 6 individuals who underwent sitting training: 4 healthy adult participants (mean age, 26.0±2.9 years) and 2 patients with cerebrovascular disorders (ages: 86 and 60 years, respectively). The results showed that the patients with cerebrovascular disorders had increased blood pressure and cardiac output, while some of the patients conversely showed decreased blood pressure and cardiac output, indicating that the circulatory dynamics response during training varies with individuals. Thus, this system could be useful for assessing circulatory dynamics during sitting training and determining appropriate therapeutic approach.