Range-of-motion exercises are part of cardiac rehabilitation for patients recovering from heart attack. Range-of-motion, or ROM, refers to the normal range within which you can move your joints. The exercises stretch your muscles to maintain tone and joint flexibility. Passive ROM exercises begin in the hospital about two days after a heart attack and involve a therapist who moves the parts of your body to stretch your muscles. You perform active ROM exercises alone once you have the strength to do so.
Assisted
Patients begin passive range-of-motion exercises while in the hospital bed. A nurse or physical therapist may ask you to press back as she moves your legs and arms. You might be asked to open and close your fingers a few times or to turn your head slowly left and right. Your therapist might ask you to tilt your head to one shoulder and then the other or to flex your ankles.
Seated
After a day or two, your nurse might ask you to sit in a chair to perform range-of-motion exercises. Sit in a chair and exercise your chest and torso muscles by placing your hands on your waist and tilting your body to the left and right, returning each time to the center. Keep your body straight; your neck relaxed. Exhale when tilting and inhale when returning to the center. Choose any ROM exercises that you can perform comfortably while seated.
Upper Body Exercises
Perform the triceps stretch by reaching up and over with your right arm to pat yourself on the back. Use your left arm to push and pull your elbow until you feel tension in your elbow. Hold the position for 20 to 30 seconds and repeat the exercise with your left arm. Perform a shoulder stretch by placing your right arm across your body and holding the arm with your left hand below or above the elbow. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds and switch arms to repeat the exercise.
Lower Body Exercises
Stand to perform the quadriceps stretch. Keep your upper body straight and your knees close together. Raise your right ankle behind you and hold the ankle with your right hand. Gently pull your ankle until there is tension in the front of your leg. Hold the position for 20 to 30 seconds and repeat the exercise using your left leg and ankle. Perform a calf stretch by assuming a split stance with your forward knee bent slightly. Shift your weight to the back foot and push your heel into the ground. Hold the position for 20 to 30 seconds and switch sides to repeat.
Warnings
Follow your doctor's instructions and those of your physical therapist. Check with your health care team before performing any exercises.
References
- National Institutes of Health: What is Cardiac Rehabilitation?
- University of Washington Medicine: Exercise and Arthritis
- Cleveland Clinic: Heart and Vascular Health and Prevention
- Cardiology Physicians: Cardiac Rehabilitation
- Duke Health: Duke Health and Fitness Center New Member Orientation Booklet
- University of Washington: Exercise and Arthritis
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