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. 1993 Jun;39:1428-32, 1435-7.

Complications of immobilization and bed rest. Part 1: Musculoskeletal and cardiovascular complications.

D K Dittmer 1, R Teasell 1
PMCID: PMC2379624  PMID: 8324411

Abstract

Prolonged bed rest and immobilization inevitably lead to complications. Such complications are much easier to prevent than to treat. Musculoskeletal complications include loss of muscle strength and endurance, contractures and soft tissue changes, disuse osteoporosis, and degenerative joint disease. Cardiovascular complications include an increased heart rate, decreased cardiac reserve, orthostatic hypotension, and venous thromboembolism.

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Selected References

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