Abstract
We measured the cardio ankle vascular index (CAVI) using a pulse wave test instrument for 47 patients who had requested physical therapy for disorders of their bone joints, cerebral blood vessels and cardiovascular diseases. CAVI, which indicates the tendency of arterial sclerosis in the extremities, showed significant differences between two groups: one suffering from more than two disorders out of high blood pressure, angina cordis and diabetes, and the other being the other patients' group. The former group also showed significant differences with or without a history of angina cordis. These results may show the development of serious disturbances of peripheral circulation or coronary artery diseases, indicating a need for caution when conducting therapeutic exercises. Compulsory pulse wave testing before therapeutic exercises could possibly provide beneficial information on exercise load.
