ISOKINETIC AND ISOMETRIC STRENGTH OF THE THIGH MUSCLES IN BELOW-KNEE AMPUTEES

Objective. The strength of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles of the amputated limb in below-knee amputees was evaluated. Design. A descri ptive study based on clinical measurements of muscle strength.Backgrou nd. The residual limb of below-knee amputees is less active in daily f unctions. As a result, atrophy of the thigh muscles in the affected li mb is a common finding. Quality of standing and gait performances depe nd on the strength of these muscles, which activate the knee of the am putated limb. Methods. Isokinetic concentric and eccentric, as well as isometric, strength of thigh muscles was measured by means of a dynam ometer. Parameters of peak torque and maximal average torque of the qu adriceps and hamstring muscles were considered. Results. Significant d ecreases (P < 0.01) in strength of the quadriceps and hamstrings were observed in the amputated limb. Thigh muscle strength in amputees over 7 years was not significantly weaker when compared with amputees wher e amputation had been performed more recently. Conclusions. In below-k nee amputees, the thigh muscle strength of the amputated limb decrease s significantly during the first years after amputation. In so far as the ultimate goal in rehabilitation of amputees is to return the patie nt to an acceptable level of function, it is recommended that the ampu tee should be trained and encouraged in self-strengthening exercises f or the thigh muscles of the amputated limb. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevie r Science Ltd.