Fl. Varelas et al., MUSCLE FUNCTION IN CHRONIC COMPARTMENT SYNDROME OF THE LEG, The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 18(5), 1993, pp. 586-589
Chronic compartment syndrome (CCS) is a recognized cause of recurrent
leg pain in the exercising patient. Decreased muscle function has been
implied in this condition. This study compared the ankle dorsiflexion
torque of 10 CCS patients with that of 18 control subjects during 20
repeated, maximal, isokinetic contractions at 60-degrees/sec. Peak tor
que, relative peak torque, and endurance data were collected. Results
showed significantly lower peak torque and relative peak torque in the
CCS group (p less-than-or-equal-to 0.05), supporting the implication
of muscle weakness in CCS. Paradoxically, endurance was significantly
higher in the CCS group (p less-than-or-equal-to 0.01), and there was
a significant (p less-than-or-equal-to 0.01), negative correlation (r
= -0.50) between peak torque and endurance. The relationship between t
he findings and CCS is discussed. Strengthening may be useful in very
mild cases or in postfasciotomy patients.