Muscle performance in detoxified alcoholics

Objective: Although numerous reports have described alcohol muscle dysfunct ion (myopathy) in histochemical and morphological terms, a description of t he relative impact of alcoholism on the functional capabilities (strength, power) of the various muscle groups of the arms and legs has not been repor ted. Method: The strength of flexor and extensor muscles of the elbow, knee and ankle was evaluated in a group of healthy detoxified white, alcoholic men (N = 83) and lifestyle control subjects (N = 61) using a computer-opera ted isokinetic dynamometer. Results: The muscle mass (muscle-plus-bone cros s-sectional area) did not differ significantly in alcoholics and controls f or any of the limbs studied. Tests of isokinetic torque, work and power rev ealed small deficits (3-8%) in alcoholics in muscle groups involved in elbo w flexion/extension, knee extension and ankle dorsiflexion. Tests of isomet ric torque in the knee extensors at different degrees of muscle stretch rev ealed approximately 4-6% lower torque in alcoholics at four different muscl e lengths. The force-velocity (isoinertia knee extension) measures indicate d slightly slower speeds of contraction (3.9-6.6%) in alcoholics under vary ing load conditions. Conclusions: The small magnitude of the muscle perform ance deficit in this group of alcoholics was less than expected and is prob ably related to (I) the elimination of subjects with other medical comorbid ities or polydrug abuse, (2) the comparison with a control group of somewha t similar lifestyle and (3) the long (35-day) detoxification period elapsin g before testing.