The Cardiopulmonary System and Movement Dysfunction

Physical therapy primarily involves the identification and treatment of problems related to movement. Movement dysfunction usually is attributed to impairments of the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal systems. The cardiopulmonary system plays an important role in movement because of its function of transporting oxygen to skeletal muscle. Abnormalities of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems can produce limitations in physical function. The purposes of this article are to describe the steps involved in the transfer of oxygen from atmospheric air to skeletal muscles and to provide examples of problems that can occur with each step of the process. Common signs and symptoms of potential problems involving the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems also will be discussed.