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.
Highlights
Falling is a serious problem among the elderly
Since current studies on the topic “risk of falls and intermittent claudication in the elderly population” did not show consistent and satisfactory results, this study aims to determine whether individuals with Intermittent claudication (IC) are susceptible to falls through the measurement of postural control and isokinetic muscle function
Of note was the significant difference (p=0.001) between the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), which decreased in the IC group
Summary
Falling is a serious problem among the elderly. Ten to twenty percent of these falls cause serious injury and the need for hospitalization[2]. A recent economic health analysis revealed that falls in the elderly represent a significant economic burden for society[3]. The etiology of falls is considered multifactorial, involving extrinsic (environmental) and intrinsic factors[4]. Among the intrinsic factors are the declines in postural control[5], muscle strength[5,6] and deficits in gait[5,7]. Costello and Edelstein[8] stated that the identification of individuals with functional decline of the lower limbs, especially those with impaired balance, might be important when identifying individuals with a higher risk of falling
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