Background: Mechanically ventilated patients are often confined to bed rest for
long periods which make them at high risk for impairment in different body systems.
Evidence suggests that passive range of motion exercise for mechanically ventilated
patients is a safe and effective intervention that can have a significant impact on patients'
clinical outcomes. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of passive range
of motion exercises on hemodynamic parameters of mechanically ventilated patients.
Method: The study has a quasi-experimental research design with a convenience sample of
112 adult mechanically ventilated patients from the anesthesia and neurosurgery intensive
care units at Mansoura University Hospital in Egypt. Data were collected using patient's
hemodynamic parameters assessment tool. Results: Statistically significant differences
were noted between the intervention and control groups regarding the mean of
physiological parameters including the respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, heart rate,
systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure across the four
measurement time points including baseline measurement, and 5, 20, and 60 minutes after
exercises (P<0.05). On the contrary, no statistically significant changes were detected in the
central venous pressure measures between the two groups (P=0.929). Conclusion and
Recommendations: Passive range of motion exercises are considered as an effective
method for stabilizing physiological parameters among mechanically ventilated patients.
Hence, it can be incorporated as an adjunct intervention in the routine nursing care of
mechanically ventilated patients. Further large-scale studies are required to contribute to the
evidence-based care and support using this intervention.