Clinical decision making with the aid of ambulatory monitoring of heart rate

Abstract

Routine assessment of heavily handicapped patients by means of speed and heart rate has been carried out in ORLAU over the past four years. The methodology and the apparatus have been described by Davies (1977) and Stallard et al (1978), who also indicated its value in terms of research. Gradually the technique has been assimilated as a routine clinical assessment procedure, and a number of cases in which it has positively influenced treatment are described in order to illustrate its benefits. The simplicity of the methodology and portable nature of the equipment enable physiotherapists to carry out many assessments in schools, greatly minimising disruption for the patient and maximising the effectiveness of the procedure. Analysis of the types of assessment which had been conducted showed that they could be divided into six categories: Learning time for a new orthosis Relative value of a new orthosis The need for operative procedures The value of operative procedures Indication of areas requiring further investigation Confirmation of clinical opinion When used in conjunction with the other assessment techniques available in ORLAU, monitoring speed and heart rate become a powerful tool for routine clinical evaluation of patients. © 1980, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved.