Background
Compressor device works well in stop bleeding for patients after transradial cardiac catheterization, yet brings uncomfortable experiences such as pain and edema. While the existing functional exercise methods do not improve indicated-patients’ comfort experience and the comparative effectiveness of different hand exercise has yet to be established.
Methods
A single-center, randomized clinical trial of adult patients underwent the transradial approach was conducted. Participants were randomized into three groups (Finger exercise group, Acupoint massage group and Handgrip exercise group). Respectively, symptoms of edema and pain were identified as primary outcomes with bleeding and skin temperature secondary outcomes, which were monitored and measured at the first second, fourth and sixth hours after the intervention.
Results
Among the 95 patients (28 in finger exercise group, 34 in acupoint massage and 33 in handgrip exercise), the edema of patients’ middle finger in handgrip exercise was gradually relieved compared with other two groups in the second, fourth and sixth hours after the intervention. More interestingly, the edema of patients’ palm in handgrip exercise was gradually eased in the fourth and sixth hours after the intervention. The pain score of the fourth hours was obviously decreased in the handgrip exercise. However, there was no significant difference in the degree of bleeding and the skin temperature of operative limb.
Conclusions
Compared with finger exercise and acupoint massage, handgrip exercise would promote the blood circulation and relieve the edema of operative limb.