Sana comfort 150 and 250 REHA
Article no.: 2.520064 rev.: b
Page 13 of 24
6
Start-up and initial preparation
6.1
Blood pressure recorder for 250
In order to conduct exercise testing correctly, it is of utmost importance to measure physical perform-
ance data and data from the ECG measurement as well as simultaneously measuring and recording blood
pressure data to determine the reaction of the circulatory system to increased exertion.
For this purpose, ergosana has developed an extremely accurate blood pressure measuring system that
is not susceptible to interference. It has been integrated into this ergometer and uses a so-called indirect
method of blood pressure measurement. The Korotkoff sound, which is created by the air being forced
out of the cuff as blood flows through the area of compression, is recorded along with several other im-
portant parameters of critical importance to attain accurate measurement. These measurements are
evaluated in milliseconds by an internal digital evaluation system and shown in the ergometer's display
as systole and diastole. The pulse rate is also determined during measurement and likewise shown in the
display. At the same time as they are shown in the display, the measurements can also be transferred to
a peripheral device such as an ECG or pulmonary function unit for evaluation and recording over an RS
232 interface.
The blood pressure cuff is the measurement sensor for blood pressure. Despite the perfectly functioning
measuring system, it remains critically important that the cuff is placed on the arm correctly and care-
fully.
According to international agreement, the blood pressure should be measured on the left arm, which is
near the heart, as the flow impedance level is lowest there. An exception to this rule is formed by approx.
1 to 2 per cent of test persons on whom the Korotkoff sound cannot be measured due to vascular phe-
nomena. The cuff is placed on the right arm of such patients.
Please note that the cuff's air tube must be fixed in a way that prevents it from dashing against the
ergometer. This is to prevent unnecessary artefacts that might affect the measurement's accuracy.
6.2
Applying the cuff for 250
The microphone is positioned so that it lies on the brachial artery, the largest arm artery. The location of
the microphone in the cuff is marked with a red fabric tag.
The ideal location for the microphone is approx. 2 centimetres above the elbow joint on the inside of the
arm, below the biceps. The cuff must be put on so it is tight and cannot shift out of position during the
movement created during the stress test.
The cuff is inflated rapidly at the start of the measurement. The blood pressure and pulse rate are al-
ready roughly measured during pumping and the inflation pressure is determined.
After the systolic pressure value has been attained, the air is released from the cuff at a rate of 3 mmHg
per heartbeat.
This procedure guarantees approximately equal measuring times despite the rising pulse rate during ex-
ertion.
The blood pressure measurement should not exceed a maximum total length of 45 seconds. One minute
is indicated as the shortest measurement interval. A measurement interval of 2 or 3 minutes is preferable
in most cases.
The blood pressure values are shown in the ergometer's graphic display together with the load and pulse
rate graphs.
