Effect of Leg Maneuver Exercises on Orthostatic Hypotension among Postoperative Patients

Background: Among patients recovering from surgery, orthostatic hypotension related to posture is by far the most common cause of transient unconsciousness. A leg maneuver is thought to be a straightforward technique to prevent or reduce its responses. Aim: Was to investigate the effect of leg maneuver exercises (leg elevation, thigh muscle contraction, leg crossing and contraction) on orthostatic hypotension among postoperative patients. Design: A quasi-experimental (pretest/posttest nonequivalent control group design was used. Setting: This study was conducted in the general surgical departments at Kasr Al-Aini Hospital, affiliated with Cairo University. Sample: A purposive sample of 60 adult male and female postoperative patients undergone general abdominal surgery; and who had no neurological or vascular disorders were enrolled in the current study over six consecutive months. Tools: Three tools were used: First, Personal and Medical Data Form; Second, Hemodynamic Parameters Checklist; and the third, Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire (OHQ). Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the study and control groups related heart rate mean scores on the second and third-day post leg maneuver exercise after three minutes of standing position (P=.001) (P=.012) respectively. As well, there was a highly statistically significant difference between the study and control groups related systolic blood pressure after leg maneuver exercise over readings (P=.000) (P=.051) and diastolic blood pressure (P=.003) (P=.050) respectively. Furthermore, there was a highly statistically significant difference between the study and control groups in relation to orthostatic hypotension related symptoms post leg maneuver exercise at the first day (P=.003) and also at the third day (P=.000). Conclusion: Leg maneuver exercises have a significant effect in improving patients’ hemodynamic parameters (blood pressure & heart rate), and preventing orthostatic hypotension related manifestations. Recommendation: Leg maneuver should be recommended as the first-step management of patients suffering from orthostatic hypotension postoperatively.