Analysis of isokinetic muscle function and postural control in individuals with intermittent claudication

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Intermittent claudication (IC) is a debilitating condition that mostly affects elderly people. IC is manifested by a decrease in ambulatory function. Individuals with IC present with motor and sensory nerve dysfunction in the lower extremities, which may lead to deficits in balance.OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to measure postural control and isokinetic muscle function in individuals with intermittent claudication.METHOD: The study included 32 participants of both genders, 16 IC participants (mean age: 64 years, SD=6) and 16 healthy controls (mean age: 67 years, SD=5), which were allocated into two groups: intermittent claudication group (ICG) and control group (CG). Postural control was assessed using the displacement and velocity of the center of pressure (COP) during the sensory organization test (SOT) and the motor control test (MCT). Muscle function of the flexor and extensor muscles of the knee and ankle was measured by an isokinetic dynamometer. Independent t tests were used to calculate the between-group differences.RESULTS: The ICG presented greater displacement (p =0.027) and speed (p =0.033) of the COP in the anteroposterior direction (COPap) during the MCT, as well as longer latency (p =0.004). There were no between-group differences during the SOT. The ICG showed decreased muscle strength and power in the plantar flexors compared to the CG.CONCLUSION: Subjects with IC have lower values of strength and muscle power of plantiflexores, as well as changes in postural control in dynamic conditions. These individuals may be more vulnerable to falls than healthy subjects.

The association between pain, balance, fall, and disability in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis with vascular claudication

“…In PVD, loss of balance occurs due to circulatory and neurological dysfunction in the lower extremities [ 17 ]. Lanzarin et al [ 19 ] reported that there was a change in the anterior-posterior stability in the patients with IVC as a result of the functional impairment and loss of motor control of the muscles [ 19 ]. It has been suggested that IVC caused insufficiency in static [ 17 ] and dynamic balance [ 18 , 19 ].…”

“…Lanzarin et al [ 19 ] reported that there was a change in the anterior-posterior stability in the patients with IVC as a result of the functional impairment and loss of motor control of the muscles [ 19 ]. It has been suggested that IVC caused insufficiency in static [ 17 ] and dynamic balance [ 18 , 19 ]. In the present study, the IVC-LSS group had poor static and dynamic balance performance.…”

“…Impaired peripheral circulation in individuals with PVD with IVC is associated with sensory and motor nerve dysfunction in the lower extremities [17]. This causes poorer balance function [17][18][19], and an increase in the risk of falling [20]. It is also known that individuals with IVC have more history of falls and stumbles [17,18].…”

Ankle-Brachial Index Is a Good Determinant of Lower Limb Muscular Strength but Not of the Gait Pattern in PAD Patients

“…As suggested by Sadeghi et al [22], muscle strength is a good indicator of the ability to propel the body and to control balance during gait. Reduction in muscle strength and endurance along with impaired postural control during gait results from muscle fiber atrophy and altered muscle metabolism among individuals with PAD [12,[23][24][25][26]. This contributes to an increased risk of falls and decreased mobility during walking or stair climbing [4,19,27].…”

Relationship Between Physical Performance and Peripheral Arterial Diseases in Different Age Groups of Chinese Community-Dwelling Older Adults

“…The TUGT has been endorsed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a clinically useful tool for evaluating gait, strength, and balance in determining fall risk in elderly patients 39) . Lanzarin et al 40) found that there was a change in the anterior-posterior stability in patients as a result of functional impairment and loss of motor control of the muscles. Previous studies have shown that asymptomatic PAD was associated with slower walking velocity and poorer standing balance score.…”