LOCOMOTOR KINETICS OF THE LOWER EXTREMITIES IN HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS AND IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS

Abstract

Aim: The definition of «muscle contractile reserve» is a prognostic criterion in assessing locomotor capabilities. Material and methods: Groups of adolescents: 1-healthy, 2-idiopathic scoliosis. Research methods: dynamometry, 3D video analysis of gait. Results: In AIS, the relative isometric moment of force is reduced compared to healthy ones: in hip extensors by 36% (p=0.00106), hip flexors by 33% (p=0.0002), hip abductors by 38% (p=0003), leg extensors by 37% (p=3.22E-07), leg flexors by 42% (p=4.15E-06). In healthy adolescents, the muscle reserve at a walking speed of 3.7-4.3 km/h was: in hip extensors and flexors 65-75%, hip adductors 30-40%, hip abductors — 80-90%, leg extensors — 70-80%, leg flexors — 80-90% and dorsal foot flexors — 75-90%. The kinetic values of the plantar flexors exceed the isometric maximum when the foot is placed at an angle of 90° by 30-40%. In AIS the distal muscle groups had no signs of functional damage; proximal muscle groups showed asymmetry (up to 25%) and a decrease in strength in the isometric mode by 33-42%. Muscle reserve at the same speed is reduced for anti-gravity muscles in AIS: in hip extensors by 40% and in leg extensors by 70%. The total joints power did not significantly differ from the control group. Conclusions: In locomotor stereotypes in patients with scoliosis, there was a pattern of adaptive redistribution of the kinetic potential of the contractile function from one joint muscle to another.