*Physiotherapy Department, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
**Medical Rehabilitation Department, College of Health sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile - Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
***Department of Demography and Social Statistics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile - Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
Prone traction technique which originated from inversion therapy was reported to be one of the effective tools of treating lumbar problems. The effects of the method have not been adequately evaluated on blood pressure and pulse rate of patients.
Sixty subjects (34 males and 26 females) with low back pain were purposively selected for the study. The systolic and diastolic blood pressures of each participant were measured using standard mercury sphygmomanometer while pulse rate was measured with stop watch. Prone traction which was indicated for each participant was administered. The systolic, diastolic and pulse rate were measured before and during the process of prone traction; and 5 minutes after the technique. The data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance.
The result revealed that there were no significant differences in the cardiovascular parameters measured at different phases (initial, during and post) of prone traction application.
This study concluded that prone traction technique might not immediately affect systolic and diastolic blood pressure; and pulse rate.
Prone Traction, blood pressure, pulse rate
