Evaluation of the Isokinetic Calf Muscle Strength and the Range of Motion of Joint in C₃ Chronic Venous Insufficiency

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to compare the isokinetic muscle strength and range of motion (ROM) values of the ankle between patients diagnosed with C₃ chronic venous insufficiency (group 1, n=57) and healthy individuals (group 2, n=30). MATERIALS AND METHODS: After identifying the venous refilling time (VRT) of all participants, the active ROM of the ankle joint and plantar flexion (PF) and dorsi-flexion (DF) muscle strength in the concentric/concentric mode at angular velocities of 60°/sec and 120°/sec were measured. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the demographic data of groups 1 and 2 (P>0.05). In total, 102 lower extremities were included in group 1 and 60 lower extremities in group 2. The VRT of the patients in group 1 was 15.5±5.6 seconds, the PF ROM of the ankle joint was 39.3°±9.5°, and the DF ROM of the ankle joint was 27°±8°; in group 2, the VRT, PF ROM, and DF ROM were 36±8.1 seconds, 41°±6.2°, and 27.2°±7.5°, respectively. Statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of VRT (P0.05). Statistically significant difference was found in terms of all parameters of isokinetic muscle strength measurements, such as peak torque, peak torque/body weight, total work done, and ratio (DF/PF) in group 1 (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: The lower extremity muscle strength of patients with chronic venous insufficiency was low, and this weakness was prominent particularly in the direction of PF.