Living with Marfan Syndrome: Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurement during lifting and Carrying infants

Master thesis (2024)

Authors

J.J. Koop Mechanical Engineering

Contributors

A.H.A. Stienen Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (mentor)
Faculty
Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
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Published Date

23-05-2024

Language

English

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Faculty

Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of lifting and carrying activities on ambulatory blood pressure (BP) responses in healthy adults. Participants performed simulated infant carrying tasks with different weight loads (0kg, 5kg and 10kg) using two lifting techniques (stoop and flat). Continuous BP was measured using the Finapres NOVA ambulatory BP monitor. The indicative results showed increases in peak systolic BP during lifting (5 kg: stoop +44.0 mmHg \& flat +41.1 mmHg) and average SBP during carrying phases (5 kg: stoop +12.96 mmHg \& flat +12.04 mmHg) compared to unloaded situations, with greater BP elevations observed for heavier loads (lifting 10 kg: stoop +56.9 mmHg \& flat +43.2 mmHg; carrying 10 kg: stoop +19.87 mmHg \& flat +14.11 mmHg). The lifting technique also impacted BP responses, as stoop lifting produced higher systolic BP peaks than flat lifting (+5.9 mmHg, +8.8 mmHg \& +19.6 mmHg for 0 kg, 5 kg \& 10 kg respectively). Detailed analyses were conducted by defining quantitative parameters such as baseline BP, peak BP during lifting, start BP after lifting, and end BP before lowering. The findings from this study have implications for developing guidelines on safe lifting and carrying practices for individuals with conditions like Marfan syndrome, which are prone to aortic complications from elevated BP.