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American Journal of Translational Research logoLink to American Journal of Translational Research
. 2024 Nov 15;16(11):6709–6717. doi: 10.62347/UVLS3384

Analysis of the preventive effect of upper limb exercise combined with intelligent grip ball on venous thrombosis in patients with peripheral central venous catheters

Xifan Bu 1, Xiaoyue Wu 1
PMCID: PMC11645552  PMID: 39678600

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the preventive effect of upper limb functional exercise on venous thrombosis in patients undergoing peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 108 patients who underwent PICC placement in Suzhou High tech Zone People’s Hospital. The patients were divided into a control group (n=52) and an observation group (n=56) according to different treatment methods. The control group received upper limb functional exercise on the basis of routine treatment, while the observation group received rehabilitation exercises using an intelligent grip ball alongside the treatment administered to the control group. The incidence of catheter-related thrombosis, coagulation indicators, upper limb venous hemodynamic indicators, and compliance with functional exercise were compared between the two groups. Results: The incidence of catheter-related thrombosis was lower in the observation group compared with that in the control group (P=0.012). After treatment, improvements were observed in the coagulation indicators and upper limb venous hemodynamic indicators in both groups compared with pre-treatment levels. Moreover, post-treatment levels of these indicators were better in the observation group than in the control group (all P<0.05). The scores of the compliance questionnaire for functional exercise were higher in the observation group than those in the control group in various dimensions (all P<0.05). Lastly, patient satisfaction in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (P=0.032). Conclusion: Upper limb functional exercise combined with an intelligent grip ball can reduce the incidence of catheter-related thrombosis, improve coagulation function, increase compliance with functional exercise, and improve nursing satisfaction in patients with PICCs.

Keywords: Central venous catheter, venous thrombosis, upper limb functional exercise, intelligent grip ball, clinical efficacy

Introduction

There is currently a rising trend in the incidence rate of cancer, despite the fact that early screening and surgery can prolong the survival period of such patients. To enhance treatment outcomes, various clinical treatment methods are employed for tumors, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and traditional Chinese medicine treatment [1,2]. Given that these treatments require intravenous infusion, peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are currently the predominant option for infusion access over peripheral veins. PICCs offer several advantages over peripheral veins, including extended indwelling time, avoidance of repeated punctures, and the reduction of potential harm from prolonged infusion times and drug administration. Therefore, PICCs have become the first-line method for infusion [3,4].

Recent clinical data, however, indicated that PICCs were associated with certain complications, with catheter-related thrombosis being a prevalent and serious complication, occurring at a rate of approximately 4%. In cancer patients, the incidence rate of catheter-related thrombosis can be as high as 25% due to their hypercoagulable state. Therefore, effectively reducing catheter-related thrombosis is of great significance [5,6]. Upper limb functional exercise has been identified as an effective preventive measure with favorable clinical outcomes. However, it cannot effectively reduce the incidence of related complications. Infusion Nursing Society (INS) highlights the potential of functional exercise in preventing thrombosis in patients with PICC placement. Additionally, a study has revealed that hand grip exercises can promote venous blood circulation and reduce catheter-related complications [6]. However, routine clinical ball-holding exercise lacks diversity and presents a challenge in controlling grip strength. Moreover, the compliance of patients with PICC placement is generally poor. These factors limit the effect of functional exercise. Nevertheless, the gradual application of intelligent exercise management software holds significant promise in improving the compliance of patients with PICC placement and promoting regular exercise. In addition, intelligent grip balls have been found to significantly improve upper limb blood flow and reduce thrombus formation. However, there is limited research on preventing catheter-related thrombosis [7]. Based on this gap, this study aims to explore the effects of intelligent grip balls on blood flow and coagulation function, thereby comprehensively evaluating their preventive effects on catheter-related thrombosis.

Materials and methods

General data

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 108 patients who underwent PICC placement in Suzhou High tech Zone People’s Hospital from January 2022 to December 2023. The patients were divided into a control group (n=52) and an observation group (n=56) according to different treatment methods. The patient selection process is shown in Figure 1. Patients were included if they: 1. were aged over 18; 2. underwent their first-time PICC insertion; 3. had complete medical records; 4. received the same style of a three-way valve; 5. experienced only one puncture. Patients were excluded if they: 1. were aged less than 18 years; 2. had a history of previous thrombosis; 3. were taking anticoagulants; 4. suffered from rheumatic immune system disorders; 5. were unable to move their upper limb due to any reasons; 6. had a history of neurological disorders or cognitive impairment; 7. had an expected survival period less than six months. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Suzhou High tech Zone People’s Hospital.

Figure 1.

Figure 1

Patient selection process.

Nursing methods

Nursing methods in the control group

Patients in the control group were provided with routine health guidance before discharge, including psychological counseling, PICC maintenance, daily life guidance during PICC placement, strategies for preventing PICC-related complications, skin care at the puncture site, dietary recommendations, exercise instructions, and appointment guidance. Patients and their families were educated on disease-related information and had their questions answered in detail. Patients also received upper limb exercises, including functional exercises. On days 1-3 after PICC placement, the patient used an electronic grip device (Xiangshan Hengqi EH101) for extension and flexion of the fingers and elbow with their affected limb positioned on the bed. On days 4-10, the patient’s affected limb was allowed to rest naturally or hang down, and arm swing exercises were performed from the shoulder (30° anteriorly, 10° posteriorly), guiding the affected limb in extension movements. The upper limb was extended to both sides, contracted, and extended again, gradually extending to the horizontal position. On days 11-20, patients engaged in assisted shoulder joint rotation exercises and were permitted to perform mild shoulder elevation exercises. During this period, they were prohibited from rapidly lifting, abducting, or vigorously shaking the affected limb, as well as sudden turning, excessive bending, high jumping, falling from heights, or bumping.

Nursing methods in the observation group

Patients in the observation group underwent grip ball training on the basis of routine exercises. The main steps included the establishment of a grip ball exercise group led by two specialist nurses. In addition, educational sessions were conducted by senior staff to highlight the significance of grip ball exercises in preventing PICC-related thrombosis and explain specific learning methods through department meetings, WeChat groups, face-to-face interactions, and online classrooms. Furthermore, patients were advised to maintain self-exercise diaries to enhance compliance. Junior staff were tasked with assisting patients in accurately understanding the exercise techniques. During the exercise, patients were instructed to keep their forearms in a neutral position, with the elbows bent at right angles to the upper arms, and to grip the ball in the following manner: squeeze the ball with force for 10 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds, and repeat this cycle at least 800 times daily. Additionally, the patients were also instructed to record their daily exercise regimen. If any abnormal conditions occurred during the exercise process, such as persistent or unrelieved pain in the limb where the catheter was placed, swelling at the catheter insertion site, catheter leakage, or fever, patients were instructed to promptly notify the nursing staff and, if necessary, seek medical attention at the hospital.

Observation indicators

Primary observation indicators

Information regarding pre- and post-treatment coagulation indicators and upper limb venous hemodynamic indicators of both groups were obtained from the electronic medical record system. The coagulation indicators include prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) level, fibrinogen (FIB), D-dimer, fibrinogen degradation products (FDP), and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) levels. The upper limb venous hemodynamic indicators include peak systolic velocity (PSV), resistance index (RI), and blood flow velocity (Vm).

Secondary observation indicators

Compliance with functional exercise was assessed using a compliance table, which consists of four dimensions with a total of 16 items [8]. These dimensions are compliance with grip strength exercises, exercise monitoring compliance, active help-seeking compliance, and exercise precautions compliance. The scoring scale ranges from “impossible to do”, “occasionally done”, “basically done”, to “completely done”, with scores of 0, 1, 2, and 3 respectively. The total score is 50 points, where higher scores indicate better compliance. A satisfaction scale was employed for assessing nursing satisfaction, comprising four levels: very satisfied, satisfied, basically satisfied, and dissatisfied. The satisfaction rate was calculated as (very satisfied + satisfied + basically satisfied) individuals/total number of individuals × 100% [9].

Statistical methods

The data in this study underwent statistical analysis using SPSS 26.0 software. Measurement data were presented as mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM), and those normally distributed were analyzed utilizing t-test. Counting data were expressed as percentages and analyzed using Chi-square test. A significance level of P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Comparison of baseline data between the two groups

There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of gender, age, course of disease, limb, and arm circumference (all P>0.05), indicating comparability (Table 1).

Table 1.

Comparison of general data between the two groups

Gender (Male/female) Age Duration of disease (years) Limb (left/right) Arm circumference (cm)
Observation group (n=56) 36/20 41.2±2.8 7.3±2.1 31/25 26.5±3.4
Control group (n=52) 28/24 40.9±2.7 7.4±1.9 29/23 25.7±3.5
χ2/t 0.998 0.771 0.654 0.772 0.117
P 0.552 0.440 0.341 0.663 0.339

Comparison of the incidence of catheter-related thrombosis and related complications between the two groups

There were 4 cases of catheter-related thrombosis and 3 cases of complications (1 case each of dermatitis, phlebitis, and blood oozing) in the observation group, while in the control group, there were 12 cases of catheter-related thrombosis and 10 cases of complications (2 cases each of dermatitis; 4 cases each of phlebitis and blood oozing, respectively). Statistical analysis revealed a significantly lower incidence of catheter-related thrombosis in the observation group compared with that in the control group (P=0.011). Additionally, none of the patients showed obvious symptoms of thrombosis after active anticoagulant treatment, thus avoiding catheter removal (Table 2 and Figure 2).

Table 2.

Comparison of thrombus incidence between the two groups (n, %)

Case Thrombogenesis
Observation group (n=56) 56 4 (7.14)
Control group (n=52) 52 12 (23.08)
χ2 6.478
P 0.011

Figure 2.

Figure 2

Comparison of upper limb venous hemodynamics indicators between two groups before and after treatment. A. Peak systolic velocity; B. Blood flow velocity; C. Resistance index. *Compared with before treatment, P<0.005; #Compared with the control group after treatment, P<0.05.

Comparison of coagulation indicators between the two groups before and after treatment

There were no statistically significant differences in PT, APTT, TT, FIB, D-dimer, FDP, and PAI levels between the two groups prior to treatment. After treatment, PT, APTT, TT, and t-PA levels in both groups were significantly prolonged, whereas FIB, D-dimer, FDP, and PAI levels exhibited a significant decrease. Additionally, the levels of the above indicators in the observation group after treatment were significantly improved compared to those in the control group (all P<0.05) (Table 3).

Table 3.

Comparison of coagulation indicators between the two groups before and after treatment

Time node Observation group Control group t P
PT
    Before treatment 9.72±1.28 10.43±0.95 0.768 0.553
    After treatment 13.26±0.88* 12.27±0.76* 1.551 0.043
APTT
    Before treatment 25.75±1.32 26.22±2.06 0.554 0.221
    After treatment 29.79±2.85* 28.84±2.15* 1.669 0.037
TT
    Before treatment 15.83±0.96 15.78±0.85 0.883 0.602
    After treatment 17.08±0.91* 16.26±0.77* 1.110 0.028
FIB
    Before treatment 4.26±0.55 4.31±0.69 0.772 0.523
    After treatment 3.50±0.40* 3.90±0.48* 1.903 0.039
D-dimer
    Before treatment 233.27±49.53 241.22±58.83 0.904 0.821
    After treatment 156.75±89.81* 189.58±63.72* 1.882 0.036
FDP
    Before treatment 3.58±0.53 3.63±0.69 0.762 0.541
    After treatment 2.38±0.62* 2.82±0.66* 2.036 0.002
t-PA
    Before treatment 5.67±2.48 5.69±2.24 0.991 0.775
    After treatment 7.17±2.74* 6.49±2.74* 3.440 0.017
PAI
    Before treatment 33.85±5.72 33.48±5.38 0.881 0.674
    After treatment 27.98±4.25* 32.18±4.86* 6.433 0.002
*

Compared with before treatment, P<0.05;

PT, prothrombin time; APTT, activated partial thromboplastin time; TT, thrombin time; t-PA level, tissue plasminogen activator; FIB, fibrinogen; FDP, fibrinogen degradation products; PAI, plasminogen activator inhibitor.

Comparison of upper limb venous hemodynamic indicators between the two groups before and after treatment

There was a significant decrease in post-treatment PSV and RI in both groups, along with a significant increase in Vm compared with the pre-treatment levels (all P<0.05) (Figure 2).

Comparison of functional exercise compliance between the two groups

The scores of functional exercise compliance of patients in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group in all dimensions (all P<0.001) (Table 4).

Table 4.

Comparison of exercise compliance between the two groups

Grip exercise Exercise monitoring Active help-seeking Exercise precautions Total
Observation group (n=56) 13.07±0.89 8.83±0.33 9.97±0.72 13.96±0.75 43.02±3.13
Control group (n=52) 9.98±0.67 6.31±0.65 6.93±0.5 7.84±0.87 20.07±6.84
t 15.662 14.117 12.440 13.002 19.112
P <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001

Comparison of patient satisfaction between the two groups

The nursing score and patient satisfaction with nursing care in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (Tables 5, 6).

Table 5.

Comparison of patient satisfaction between the two groups

Very satisfied Satisfied Basically satisfied Dissatisfied
Observation group (n=56) 36 10 7 3
Control group (n=52) 015792528 10 4 10
χ2 4.901
P 0.027

Table 6.

Comparison of patient satisfaction scores between the two groups

Knowledge Skills Attitudes Appearances Total
Observation group (n=56) 27.86±5.22 23.87±1.66 22.73±2.42 21.75±2.74 87.66±9.03
Control group (n=52) 21.66±5.33 17.73±4.36 16.57±5.03 17.06±5.20 73.05±10.12
t 3.596 6.882 5.867 6.365 7.645
P <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001

Discussion

PICC is a medical procedure involving the insertion of a long catheter through a peripheral vein, usually the basilic vein or cephalic vein of the upper arm, and then advanced into a larger vein, typically a central vein. This technique has been in clinical use since late 1970s [10,11], and rapidly become the preferred venous access for various clinical scenarios, including long-term intravenous infusion, parenteral nutrition, chemotherapy, and intensive care, due to its unique advantages, such as being minimally invasive, easy to perform, and providing high patient comfort. However, thrombus formation after PICC insertion is a significant complication that cannot be ignored, as it can directly lead to PICC dysfunction [12,13]. The primary reasons contributing to the risk of thrombus formation after PICC placement include prolonged catheter retention in the vein and potential malpositioning, which may lead to changes in local hemodynamics and facilitate thrombus development. Thrombus formation poses a dual risk by potentially blocking the catheter to impede drug delivery, and by detaching and entering the bloodstream to cause severe complications like pulmonary embolism. Reducing the risk of thrombus formation involves precise measurement of the catheter length during PICC insertion to ensure proper placement and regular monitoring of catheter patency. Additionally, active functional exercise after placement also helps reduce thrombus formation [14,15].

Previous research has indicated that the incidence rate of PICC-related thrombosis ranges from 10% to 25%. In this study, the incidence rate in the control group was 23.07%, falling within the expected range. Notably, the incidence rate among patients in the observation group who engaged in exercises by using an intelligent ball was below 10% [16]. This result can be attributed to several factors. Regular exercise involving the ball in the limb where the catheter is inserted induces repetitive contractions and relaxations of the muscles in the upper arm, thereby enhancing venous flow velocity and volume. This mechanism creates an “artificial pump” effect, ultimately improving venous blood circulation in the affected limb. Furthermore, the act of gripping the ball can directly stretch the blood vessels of the limb with the PICC line, stimulating vascular endothelial cells and triggering the release of vasodilators including nitric oxide and thromboxane. These factors contribute to the dilation of blood vessels and an increase in blood volume, aligning with previous research findings [17,18].

We delved into the hemodynamic indicator of the PICC-inserted vein to enhance the tertiary prevention of venous thrombosis, building upon the premise that grip ball training can decrease the incidence of thrombosis. Studies have shown that after PICC placement, the vascular system is affected due to the special characteristics of the catheter materials. The central venous catheter is a long and thin tube that is typically inserted into a patient’s central vein, commonly the internal jugular vein, subclavian vein, or femoral vein, through a skin puncture [19]. This catheter is designed to come into direct contact with a significant volume of blood, facilitating rapid drug administration, precise monitoring of blood components, and effective nutritional support. However, upon insertion into the venous system of the human body, this small tube inevitably interacts directly with the blood, affecting blood flow. Specifically, the presence of the central venous catheter can alter the speed and direction of blood flow, particularly in the immediate vicinity of the catheter. This effect is primarily attributed to the catheter occupying space within the blood vessel and modifying the flow path of the blood, potentially resulting in decreased Vm and, in some instances, the development of a blood flow vortex [20]. The high tendency to thrombosis of the PICC-inserted vein is primarily due to several reasons. These include a decrease in average Vm, maximum flow rates, and vascular RI. The narrowing of the venous lumen of the catheter-inserted vein, as well as the characteristics of medications and tumor-related coagulation abnormalities, also contribute to this tendency [21,22]. Hence, it is crucial to effectively assess the hemodynamics of PICC-inserted vein to provide early detection of thrombosis. The analysis of the hemodynamics of the two groups demonstrated that after active upper limb functional exercise following PICC placement, both groups of patients showed significant improvements in coagulation indicators and hemodynamic parameters. Furthermore, the indicators of patients in the observation group were better than those in the control group, demonstrating that the intelligent grip ball can enhance the blood flow index of the catheter-inserted limb, thereby reducing the risk of thrombosis. The potential mechanism involves gripping the ball to boost the transit-time blood flow of PICC-inserted vessels, increase the flow velocity, and enhance PICC-related indicators due to the vein flexibility, which is consistent with previous research findings [23].

The concept of nursing satisfaction may appear simple, yet it contains intricate implications. It involves patients’ subjective feelings and evaluation of nursing service, as well as a multi-dimensional evaluation system [24,25]. Nursing satisfaction focuses on patients’ psychological experience, emotional response and satisfaction during care delivery, providing a comprehensive assessment of nursing services. Therefore, evaluating nursing satisfaction should consider not only the satisfaction of patients, but also the communication ability, professional skills, and attitude of nurses [26,27]. The results of this study showed that patients in the observation group, who underwent grip ball exercises, demonstrated significantly higher exercise compliance and nursing satisfaction compared with those in the control group. The lack of consistency and specificity in upper limb exercises after PICC placement in previous nursing activities may have contributed to suboptimal clinical intervention outcomes. Additionally, traditional upper limb exercises cannot effectively promote vascular patency due to inadequate intensity, force, and sustainability, failing to fundamentally address the risk of potential thrombosis caused by slow and insufficient blood flow. Grip balls can effectively address these shortcomings. They are cost-effective and user-friendly, offer high benefits, and save time. Furthermore, we proposed measures such as maintaining exercise diaries combined with online teaching to efficiently encourage patients to engage in uninterrupted exercises, achieving unexpected outcomes similar to “supervision”. This approach improves patients’ exercise enthusiasm and enhances their compliance. It also fosters better communication and deeper emotional bonds between medical staff and patients, ultimately improving nursing satisfaction. These results align with previous research findings [28-30].

In summary, upper limb exercises combined with intelligent grip balls can reduce the incidence of catheter-related thrombosis, improve coagulation function, enhance exercise compliance, and boost nursing satisfaction in patients with PICCs, justifying clinical recommendations. However, this is a single-center study with a small sample size, which necessitates large-sample, multi-center studies to confirm the clinical effects of grip ball intervention for upper limb venous thrombosis. Additionally, further studies are needed to maximize the clinical effect of grip balls.

Disclosure of conflict of interest

None.

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