Cardiovascular Rehab in Physical Therapy is a growing area of PT that serves those who have had cardiopulmonary surgeries, diseases, and general deconditioning. Because of an aging population and an increase in Physician Physical Therapy referrals, Cardiovascular PT should continue to increase in popularity well into the future.
Most people think of Cardiovascular Rehab as using cardio machines only. Although patients generally will utilize the cardio equipment at a Physical Therapy Facility, they can also do many different therapeutic exercises that will increase their muscular strength and endurance. These exercises will in turn assist patients to become more functional and to be healthier overall.
As the patients are doing exercises and using cardio machines, the Physical Therapist will be monitoring their vital signs using a Pulse Oximeter and a Blood Pressure Cuff. This will give a reading on their O2 Saturation Level, Heart Rate, and Blood Pressure. Taking measurements before, during, and after their workouts will give the PT an idea of how the patient can tolerate the routine, at what levels they can perform at, and also will help to measure improvement.
If patients have vital measures that are not within the normal ranges, then the Physical Therapy will have to decide the next course of action. For instance, if a patient has low blood pressure, then they will need to sit down and drink a lot of water before they are allowed to continue. If a patient’s heart rate gets too high or O2 Sat. gets too low, then they will need to take a break until their vitals go back into the normal ranges.
The best cardiovascular type of machines are the Recumbent Bicycle, Elliptical, Treadmill, and Rower. Alternate machines include an Upper Body Ergonometer (UBE), Airdyne Bicycle, Recumbent Elliptical, and Versaclimber. All of these machines have positives and negatives to them, and can be incorporated into a Cardiovascular Rehab program. It’s best to have at use 3-4 cardio machines in the program, to build up different muscle groups, and avoid boredom.
Also, changing up the therapeutic exercises and the order of things can help to keep the program exciting and new. The best therex for cardiovascular patients are whole-body, functional exercises. These include Squats, Lunges, Dead-lifts, Pushups, Pull-ups, Lifting, Carrying, Pushing, Pulling, Rows, Bridges, Crunches, Obliques, Leg Lifts, Throwing, Dips, Calf Raises, etc. Any exercises can be used and mixed into the program, as long as they’re functionally relevant for the patient.
