Ankle Plantar Flexion Strength Research Articles

Peroneus Longus Graft Harvest Does Not Affect Ankle Biomechanics: A Narrative Review.

The peroneus longus graft has gained much attention in recent years as a reliable autograft for primary ACL surgery. Critics have voiced concerns related to its impact on ankle biomechanics. The current review aims to synthesize the available literature on ankle biomechanics after peroneus harvest. The quantum of evidence available shows that PL harvest does not significantly impact ankle eversion or plantarflexion strength. Its impact on gait needs to be studied more deeply before any significant conclusions can be drawn.

Exploring the associations between ankle dorsal and plantar flexion strength, reactive strength index, and balance in elite youth soccer players

Exploring the associations between ankle dorsal and plantar flexion strength, reactive strength index, and balance in elite youth soccer players

Blood Flow Restriction and Veterans With Multiple Sclerosis and Advanced Disability: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

The purpose of this study will be to determine the efficacy of low intensity lower extremity resistance training with and without blood flow restriction (BFR) on quadriceps muscle strength and thickness in veterans with advanced multiple sclerosis (MS). This will be an assessor-blinded, 2-group (1 to 1 allocation) randomized controlled trial targeting an enrollment of 58 participants with advanced MS as defined by Patient-Determined Disease Steps scale levels 4 to 7. Both groups will complete 10weeks of twice weekly low-load resistance training (20%-30% of 1-repetition max) targeting knee and hip extension, knee flexion, and ankle plantarflexion. The intervention group will perform all training using BFR, with limb occlusion pressures between 60% and 80% of maximal limb occlusion pressure. Primary outcomes will be quadriceps muscle strength and thickness. Secondary outcomes will include knee flexion and ankle plantarflexion strength, functional mobility, physical activity, and patient-reported measures. All outcomes will be assessed at baseline before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and at a 2-month follow-up assessment. The change between groups postintervention and after the 2-month follow-up will be reported for all outcomes. All analyses will assume a 2-sided test of hypothesis (α = .05). There is very little evidence for the efficacy of exercise interventions in people with MS who have advanced mobility disability. Resistance training with BFR may be an important approach for people with advanced MS who may not tolerate more conventional, moderate-to-high intensity resistance training. The results of this study will inform clinicians regarding exercise decisions for people with advanced MS and future investigations on the role of BFR in people with MS.

Efeito agudo da cinesioterapia e da eletroestimulação neuromotora sobre a variação térmica de indivíduos com insuficiência venosa crônica

Abstract Introduction: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a change in the venous system that can be caused by dysfunction in the triceps surae muscles. Objective: To evaluate the acute effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and kinesio-therapy on ankle joint flexibility, infrared radiation and triceps surae strength in individuals with CVI. Methods: We conducted a comparative study, in which ankle flexibility, dorsiflexion and plantar flexion strength and thermal variations of the calf were evaluated. An electrical stimulation session (1 kHz Aussie current with burst = 2 ms) was performed on the right lower limb (EG - electrostimulation group) and kinesio-therapy on the lower limb left (KG - kinesiotherapy group), with stretching and metabolic exercises involving the ankle. Results: Nineteen female patients were evaluated. Analysis of ankle flexibility did not demonstrate significant changes. In the assessment of muscle strength, there was no difference between groups, and in the intragroup assessment, only KG showed an increase for dorsiflexion (before treatment: 11.6 ± 3.5; 24 h after: 13.5 ± 3.0; p = 0.02), and for plantar flexion (before: 11.8 ± 6.3; 24 h later: 14.4 ± 5.06; p = 0.04). Regarding thermography, there was no intragroup difference, while in the intergroup assessment, KG showed an increase in temperature immediately and 24 h later (0.44 ± 0.68, p = 0.01 and 0.25 ± 0.83, p = 0.07, respectively). When analyzing the correlation between dorsiflexion and plantar flexion strength of both lower limbs with total range of motion of the right and left ankle, a positive correlation was observed only between the plantar flexion strength immediately after and 24 h later with range of motion and ankle in KG (r = 0.49, p = 0.03 and r = 0.51, p = 0.03, respectively). Conclusion: There were no significant differences between kinesiotherapy and electrotherapy when analyzing joint flexibility and muscle strength, but kinesiotherapy was superior in increasing calf temperature before and after 24 h of intervention.

A portable articulated dynamometer for ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion strength measurement: a design, validation, and user experience study

Monitoring ankle strength is crucial for assessing daily activities, functional ability, and preventing lower extremity injuries. However, the current methods for measuring ankle strength are often unreliable or not easily portable to be used in clinical settings. Therefore, this study proposes a portable dynamometer with high reliability capable of measuring ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion. The proposed portable dynamometer comprised plates made of aluminum alloy 6061 and a miniature tension–compression load cell. A total of 41 healthy adult participants applied maximal isometric dorsiflexor and plantar flexor forces on a Lafayette Handheld Dynamometer (HHD) and the portable dynamometer. The results were cross-validated, using change in mean, and two independent examiners evaluated the inter-rater and test–retest reliabilities in separate sessions using intraclass correlation coefficients, standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable change. Both dorsiflexion and plantar flexion measurements demonstrated a strong correlation with the HHD (r = 0.827; r = 0.973) and showed high inter-rater and test–retest reliabilities. Additionally, the participant responses to the user experience questionnaire survey indicated vastly superior positive experiences with the portable dynamometer. The study findings suggest that the designed portable dynamometer can provide accurate and reliable measurements of ankle strengths, making it a potential alternative to current methods in clinical settings.

Relationship between ankle pain, range of motion, strength and balance in individuals with functional ankle instability: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAbout 15–60% of individuals with ankle sprains may develop functional ankle instability (FAI), which is characterised by ankle pain, decreased muscle strength, limited range of motion, and impaired balance, causing a decline in social activity and quality of life. However, the relationship between those characters is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether a relationship existed between ankle pain, active range of motion (AROM), strength and balance and if ankle pain, AROM and strength can predict balance in individuals with FAI.MethodsSeventy-seven subjects (46 males; 31 females) with unilateral FAI participated in this study. Ankle pain was measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS), ankle AROM was measured using a universal goniometer, ankle strength was measured using a handheld dynamometer, the static balance was measured by the Time in Balance Test (TBT) and the dynamic balance was measured by the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT). Pearson product-moment correlations were used to determine the correlations between ankle pain, AROM, strength and balance. Multiple linear regressions were used to investigate if ankle pain, AROM and strength can predict balance in individuals with FAI.ResultsVAS and AROM-plantarflexion predicted 25.6% of the TBT (f2 = 0.344, P < 0.001). AROM-dorsiflexion predicted 24.6% of the mSEBT-anterior reach (f2 = 0.326, P < 0.001). VAS, AROM-plantarflexion and strength-plantarflexion predicted 33.5% of the mSEBT-posteromedial reach (f2 = 0.504, P < 0.001). AROM-plantarflexion and strength-plantarflexion predicted 28.2% of the mSEBT-posterolateral reach (f2 = 0.393, P < 0.001).ConclusionThis study shows that ankle plantarflexion strength, AROM of dorsiflexion and plantarflexion and pain are predictors of balance in individuals with FAI. These factors could be considered in the rehabilitation of FAI.Trial registrationTrial registration number: ChiCTR2200063532.

Postural control among individuals with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A cross-sectional study of motor and sensory systems.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is considered a heterogenic syndrome with systemic effects, including muscle dysfunction. There is evidence of postural control impairments among individuals with COPD, partly related to muscle weakness. However, research is scarce regarding the other underlying systems of postural control, such as the visual, somatosensory and vestibular system. The aim was to compare postural control, as well as the motor and sensory systems, between individuals with and without COPD. Twenty-two participants with COPD (mean age 74.0 ±6.2 years) and 34 non-obstructive references (mean age 74.9 ±4.9 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. Postural control was assessed with center of pressure trajectory of postural sway in quiet as well as a limits of stability test, calculating mediolateral and anteroposterior amplitudes for each test. Assessment of function in the motor system included maximum hand grip strength, as well as maximum strength in muscles around the hip, knee and ankle joints. Visual acuity, pressure sensibility, proprioception, vestibular screening, and reaction time were also included. Data was compared between groups, and significant differences in postural control were further analyzed with an orthogonal projection of latent structures regression model. There was a significantly increased sway amplitude in the mediolateral direction in quiet stance on soft surface with eyes open (p = 0.014) as well as a smaller anteroposterior amplitude in the limits of stability test (p = 0.019) in the COPD group. Regression models revealed that the mediolateral amplitude was related to visual acuity and the burden of tobacco smoking assessed as pack-years. Further, muscle strength associated with anteroposterior amplitude in limits of stability test in the COPD group, and with age and ankle dorsal flexion strength among the referents. Besides for lower ankle plantar flexion strength in the COPD group, there were however no significant differences in muscle strength. Individuals with COPD had a decreased postural control and several factors were associated with the impairments. The findings imply that the burden of tobacco smoking and reduced visual acuity relate to increased postural sway in quiet stance, and that muscle weakness is related to decreased limits of stability, among individuals with COPD.

Examination and reliability of measuring muscle strength of ankle plantar flexion with knee extended.

[Purpose] A hand-held dynamometer (HHD) is less expensive than the isokinetic muscle strength measurement device, and research using HHD is gradually increasing. However, measurement is performed only at a low muscle strength level at which the heel does not take off or heel detachment occurs; therefore, fixation of the foot becomes a problem. This study aimed to determine the validation of measuring ankle plantar flexion strength (with the knee extended) using HHD. [Participants and Methods] Twenty healthy adults (14 males and 6 females) participated in this study. The chair used in this study was for swallowing videofluorography, which was fixed to a wall bar by the belt. The sensor was located at the third metatarsal head. After warming up, the participants sat in a long sitting position on the chair. We conducted the test two times. We used intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman analysis to assess reliability. [Results] The ICC(1, 1) and ICC(2, 1) results were all greater than 0.9. No fixed and proportional errors were present. [Conclusion] The measurement method of this study was both intra- and inter-examiner reliabilities, which were high, and we suggest that sufficient clinical application is possible.

Relationship between proprioception and balance control among Chinese senior older adults.

Background: Balance impairment is the most common risk factor for falls among older adults, with three potential factors (tactile sensation, proprioception, and muscle strength) being responsible for their balance control. However, controversies remain on whether or not balance control is related to the three contributors among older adults. Therefore, clarifying the above questions helps explain the mechanisms of increased falls among senior older adults. This study compares the balance control and the three factors and investigates their relationships among older adults of different ages. Methods: 166 participants ultimately passed the qualification assessment and were categorized into younger (YG, 60-69years, n = 56), middle (MG, 70-79years, n = 57), or older (OG, ≥80years, n = 53) aged groups. Berg Balance Scale (BBS) performance, tactile sensation, proprioception, and muscle strength were tested. One-way ANOVA and partial correlation were performed to explore the differences between groups in BBS and its three potential contributors, along with the correlations between them within each age group. Results: Significant differences among the three groups were detected in BBS scores (p < 0.001), tactile sensation at the great toe (p = 0.015) and heel (p = 0.025), proprioception of knee flexion (p < 0.001) and extension (p < 0.001), and ankle plantarflexion (p < 0.001) and dorsiflexion (p < 0.001), and muscle strength of ankle plantarflexion (p < 0.001) and dorsiflexion (p < 0.001), and hip abduction (p < 0.001). Proprioception of knee flexion (r = -0.351, p = 0.009) and extension (r = -0.276, p = 0.041), and ankle plantarflexion (r = -0.283, p = 0.036), and muscle strength of ankle plantarflexion (r = 0.326, p = 0.015) and hip abduction (r = 0.415, p = 0.002) were correlated with BBS among the YG. Proprioception of ankle plantarflexion (r = -0.291, p = 0.030) and muscle strength of ankle plantarflexion (r = 0.448, p = 0.001) and dorsiflexion (r = 0.356, p = 0.007) were correlated with BBS among the MG. Muscle strength of ankle plantarflexion (r = 0.276, p = 0.039) and hip abduction (r = 0.324, p = 0.015) were correlated with BBS among the OG. Conclusion: YG and MG had better balance control, tactile sensation, proprioception, and muscle strength compared to OG. Proprioception correlated with balance control in YG and MG, but not in the OG. The worsen proprioception among the OG could be the key for increased falls. Exercise should be recommended to improve proprioception among senior older adults.

Relationship between foot morphology, muscle strength, and physical performance test in women aged 65 years and older: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundHallux valgus is a foot deformity that may affect gait, thus increasing the risk of falls among older people. We investigated the relationship between foot morphology, muscle strength, and physical performance.MethodsIn this study, community-dwelling older people aged ≥65 years were included. A three-dimensional footprint automatic measurement apparatus was used to measure the hallux valgus angle, arch height ratio, and heel-floor angle. Furthermore, the toe flexor strength and ankle plantar flexion strength were measured. Physical performance tests included the five-repetition sit-to-stand test, one-leg standing time, maximal step length, functional reach test, and 5-m fastest walking time (walking time). The relationship between the hallux valgus angle and foot morphology and muscle strength was examined. In addition, factors affecting physical performance testing were assessed. Two-group comparisons, correlation, and multiple comparisons were used for statistical analyses.ResultsOf the 133 women (age 77.7 ± 6.2 years), 57 had hallux valgus and 76 had no hallux valgus. There was a significant difference in the arch height ratio and heel-floor angle between women with and without hallux valgus (p < 0.001). A correlation was found between the hallux valgus angle and the heel-floor angle (r = 0.468, p < 0.001) and arch height ratio (r = − 0.337, p < 0.001), respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed that the hallux valgus angle was related to functional reach (β = − 0.162, p = 0.042), and toe flexor strength was related to five-repetition sit-to-stand (β = − 0.182, p = 0.036), maximal step length (β = 0.328, p < 0.001), and walking time (β = − 0.219, p = 0.006).ConclusionsA relationship was found between the hallux valgus angle, arch height rate, and inward inclination angle of the calcaneus. Functional reach was predicted based on the hallux valgus angle, whereas the five-repetition sit-to-stand, maximal step length, and walking time were predicted based on toe flexor strength. Hallux valgus predicted not only the forefoot but also the foot morphology and was related to physical performance. From the perspective of motor function and fall prevention, efforts should be made to better understand and prevent the onset and progression of hallux valgus.

Determination of the Predictors with the Greatest Influence on Walking in the Elderly.

Background and Objectives: Previous studies have revealed that independent variables (lower extremity strength, postural control ability, and body composition) influence gait performance and variability, but the difference in the relative influence between these variables is unclear. Hence, this study determines the variable that is the most influential predictor of gait performance and variability among potential independent variables in the elderly. Materials and Methods: Seventy-eight subjects aged ≥60 years participated. For each subject, the gait variables and lower extremity muscle strength were measured using an accelerometer worn on both feet during a 6-minute walk and a manual force sensor, respectively. The static balance ability was measured through two force plates, and the body composition was measured by applying bioelectrical impedance analysis. Linear regression analyses were performed stepwise to determine whether these variables affect gait performance and variability. Results: After adjusting for sex and gait performance, the ankle strength, body fat mass, mean velocity in the medial-lateral direction, ankle plantar flexion strength, and girth were predictors of gait speed dorsiflexion, gait performance, swing width of the gait performance, walking speed, and gait variability, respectively. Conclusions: Overall, gait performance in the elderly is related to muscle strength, postural control, and body composition in a complex manner, but gait variability appears to be more closely related to ankle muscle strength. This study provides further evidence that muscle strength is important in motor function and stability.

Use of the reliable change index to evaluate the effect of a multicomponent exercise program on physical functions.

Using the reliable change index (RCI), we aimed to examine the effect of a multicomponent exercise program on the individual level. Overall, 270 adults (mean age, 78years) completed a multicomponent physical exercise program (strength, aerobic, gait, and balance) for 40min, 1-2 times per week, continued up to 1year at a daycare center. Effectiveness was assessed using grip, ankle, knee, and hip strength; Timed Up & Go (TUG); Berg Balance Scale (BBS); gait speed; and 6-min walking distance. These were measured at baseline and every 3months thereafter. We calculated the RCI using the data between two-time points (baseline and at 3, 6, 9, or 12months) in each participant and then calculated the mean RCI value across the participants. A paired t-test was also employed to evaluate the effect of the intervention as an average-based statistics. The highest mean RCI values were on ankle plantar-flexion strength, followed by gait speed, hip abduction strength, BBS, knee extensor strength, 6-min walk distance, grip strength, and finally TUG. Paired t-test also revealed significant improvement with moderate effect sizes for ankle plantar-flexion strength (0.504), gait speed (0.413), hip abduction strength (0.374), BBS (0.334), knee extensor strength (0.264), and 6-min walk distance (0.248). Significant but small effect size was seen on TUG (0.183). The RCI is a convenient method of comparing the effect between different assessments, especially at an individual level. This index can be applied to the use of personal feedback.

Absorbable versus nonabsorbable sutures for the Krackow suture repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

Although absorbable sutures for the repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) have been attracting attention, the rationale for their use remains insufficient. This study prospectively compared the outcomes of absorbable and nonabsorbable sutures for the repair of acute ATR. A total of 40 patients were randomly assigned to either braided absorbable polyglactin suture or braided nonabsorbable polyethylene terephthalate suture groups. ATR was then repaired using the Krackow suture method. At three and six months after surgery, the isokinetic muscle strength of ankle plantar flexion was measured using a computer-based Cybex dynamometer. At six and 12 months after surgery, patient-reported outcomes were measured using the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), visual analogue scale for pain (VAS pain), and EuroQoL five-dimension health questionnaire (EQ-5D). Overall, 37 patients completed 12 months of follow-up. No difference was observed between the two groups in terms of isokinetic plantar flexion strength, ATRS, VAS pain, or EQ-5D. No re-rupture was observed in either group. The use of absorbable sutures for the repair of acute ATR was not inferior to that of nonabsorbable sutures. This finding suggests that absorbable sutures can be considered for the repair of acute ATRs. Cite this article: Bone Joint J2022;104-B(8):938-945.

A Polygenic Risk Score for Hand Grip Strength Predicts Muscle Strength and Proximal and Distal Functional Outcomes among Older Women.

Hand grip strength (HGS) is a widely used indicator of overall muscle strength and general health. We computed a polygenic risk score (PRS) for HGS and examined whether it predicted muscle strength, functional capacity, and disability outcomes. Genomewide association study summary statistics for HGS from the Pan-UK Biobank was used. PRS were calculated in the Finnish Twin Study on Aging ( N = 429 women, 63-76 yr). Strength tests included HGS, isometric knee extension, and ankle plantarflexion strength. Functional capacity was examined with the Timed Up and Go, 6-min and 10-m walk tests, and dual-task tests. Disabilities in the basic activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL) were investigated with questionnaires. The proportion of variation in outcomes accounted for by PRS HGS was examined using linear mixed models and extended logistic regression. The measured HGS increased linearly over increasing PRS ( β = 4.8, SE = 0.93, P < 0.001). PRS HGS independently accounted for 6.1% of the variation in the measured HGS ( β = 14.2, SE = 3.1, P < 0.001), 5.4% of the variation in knee extension strength ( β = 19.6, SE = 4.7, P < 0.001), 1.2% of the variation in ankle plantarflexion strength ( β = 9.4, SE = 4.2, P = 0.027), and 0.1%-1.5% of the variation in functional capacity tests ( P = 0.016-0.133). Further, participants with higher PRS HGS were less likely to have ADL/IADL disabilities (odds ratio = 0.74-0.76). Older women with genetic risk for low muscle strength were significantly weaker than those with genetic susceptibility for high muscle strength. PRS HGS was also systematically associated with overall muscle strength and proximal and distal functional outcomes that require muscle strength.

Outcomes of Percutaneous Achilles Repair Compared With Endoscopic Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon Transfer to Treat Achilles Tendon Ruptures.

Both percutaneous and endoscopically assisted methods are reported to produce good results in the surgical management of acute Achilles tendon ruptures. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare between a percutaneous method and a recently described isolated endoscopically assisted flexor hallucis longus (FHL) transfer method as surgical means of management in patients with acute Achilles tendon ruptures. One hundred seventeen patients were included in the current study and divided into 2 groups: 59 patients who underwent percutaneous Achilles repair (PAR Group) and 58 patients who underwent isolated endoscopic FHL transfer (FHL Group) were compared. Patients were clinically evaluated using American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), and Achilles tendon resting angle (ATRA) measures. In addition, ankle plantarflexion power, FHL dynamometry, Tegner activity levels, and return to previous levels of activity were also documented for all patients. Nine months after surgery, patients in the FHL transfer group were more likely to be able to return to normal activities (91% vs 73%, P < .01). Thirty months after surgical treatment, we found no difference in ATRS, AOFAS, ATRA, ankle plantarflexion strength, or Tegner activity scores between study groups. Overall complications were reported in 6 patients in the FHL group (10.3%) and in 8 patients in the PAR group (13.6%). No major neurovascular or skin complications were encountered. The current study demonstrated satisfactory and comparable results and complications when comparing isolated endoscopic FHL tendon transfer or percutaneous Achilles tendon repairs in the surgical management of acute Achilles tendon ruptures. Level III, retrospective controlled trial.

Comparison of telerehabilitation versus home-based video exercise in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a single-blind randomized study

IntroductionPatients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) have lost their access to on-site rehabilitation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Telerehabilitation can be a viable approach for these patients to protect their muscle strength and functional status. The aim of this study is to compare telerehabilitation with home-based video exercises.Patients and methodsMale, ambulatory DMD patients were randomized into telerehabilitation and video-exercise groups. Nineteen patients were included in the final analyses. Telerehabilitation consisted of live online exercises, while video exercise implemented a pre-recorded video as a home-based program. Both programs spanned 8 weeks, three times a week. Patients’ muscle strength with a hand-held dynamometer, Quick Motor Function Test, North-Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and Caregiver Burden were recorded before and after treatment.ResultsThe 6MWT of the telerehabilitation group was391.26 ± 95.08 m before and387.75 ± 210.93 after treatment (p = 0.94) and 327.46 ± 103.88 m before treatment and313.77 ± 114.55 after treatment in video group (p = 0.63). The mean NSAA score of the telerehabilitation group were26.70 ± 8.04 before treatment and 25.20 ± 11.33 after treatment (p = 0.24). In the video group scores were 21.66 ± 6.65 before to 22.00 ± 8.61 after treatment (p = 0.87). There were no significant changes between groups at the end of the treatments. The telerehabilitation group's neck extension, bilateral shoulder abduction, and left shoulder flexion, bilateral knee flexion and extension, bilateral ankle dorsiflexion, and left ankle plantar flexion strength improved significantly and were better than the video group (p < 0.05 for all measurements).ConclusionA telerehabilitation approach is superior in improving muscle strength than a video-based home exercise, but none of the programs improved functional outcomes in ambulatory patients with DMD.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13760-022-01975-4.

Correlation between ankle plantar flexion strength and degree of body sway.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to consider the correlation between ankle plantar flexion strength and degree of body sway. [Participants and Methods] Twenty-one healthy adult males were targeted. A handheld dynamometer was used to measure ankle plantar flexion strength. The Body Pressure Measurement System was used to measure the degree of body sway. Lastly, correlation between ankle plantar flexion strength and degree of body sway was considered. [Results] A negative correlation was observed between ankle plantar flexion strength and degree of body sway. [Conclusion] Regarding ankle plantar flexion strength and degree of body sway, results of a consideration using a handheld dynamometer and Body Pressure Measurement System were the same as that of previous studies using large equipment.

Test-retest reliability of isometric ankle plantar flexion strength measurement performed by a hand-held dynamometer considering fixation: examination of healthy young participants.

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the test-retest reliability of isometric ankle plantar flexion strength measurements performed by a hand-held dynamometer (HHD) using two belts and a newly devised fixation plate. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 83 healthy individuals (female, n=31; male, n=52) with an average age of 20 years. An HHD (μTas F-1) sensor was fixed using two belts and a newly developed metal device to the measurement site on the dominant foot of a participant who was in a sitting position. Measurements were performed twice for each participant. [Results] The average value was 65.6 kgf (bodyweight ratio, 127.3%) for female and 88.0 kgf (136.9%) for male participants. The intraclass correlation coefficients of the two measurements were 0.915 for female and 0.938 for male participants. The minimum detectable change at 95% was 10.1 kgf (12.1% of the average value) for female and 12.1 kgf (15.4%) for male participants. [Conclusion] The test-retest reliability of measuring the ankle plantar flexion strength performed by an HHD using a belt and plate is high. Therefore, the increase or decrease in muscle strength should be judged based on the minimal detectable change with 95% confidence.

Effect of Blood Flow Restriction Therapy Following Achilles Rupture and Repair: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Category:Sports; OtherIntroduction/Purpose:Blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy involves the use of a tourniquet to partially occlude blood flow to the affected limb, creating an anaerobic environment during exercise. This is thought to stimulate growth and recovery by increasing the body's anabolic response. BFR therapy can be initiated shortly after surgery since it allows for significant muscle activation with limited load bearing. To date, no existing study has evaluated the effect of using BFR therapy for recovery following Achilles tendon rupture and repair, after which patients often experience significant losses in calf strength and girth. This is a randomized controlled trial designed to study whether BFR can minimize loss of calf strength and muscle volume after Achilles rupture compared to a conventional physical therapy protocol.Methods:Patients presenting with an acute Achilles tendon rupture were randomized into the BFR or control group. Patients in the control group performed at-home exercises and began in-person physical therapy at 6 weeks postoperatively, as is the standard of care in our practice. The exercises were standardized across groups with BFR the isolated variable. The primary outcome studied was ankle plantarflexion strength as measured during isokinetic strength testing 3 months after surgical repair. We also tested knee strength during flexion and extension. All strength tests were performed at two rotational speeds. Calf atrophy was assessed by measuring the circumference of both calves 15 cm below the joint line at the time of operation and at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Finally, Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores were collected pre- and postoperatively.Results:The study enrolled 43 patients, 24 of whom were assigned to the BFR group. 30 patients completed strength testing at 3 months and 26 at 6 months. Calf measurements through 3 months were completed for 39 patients and 6 month measurements were completed for 32 patients. Results for ankle plantarflexion strength at 3 months are displayed in Table 1, showing that patients in the BFR group demonstrated greater absolute strength in the operative calf compared to the control group, but no significant advantage in strength relative to the uninvolved calf. We failed to detect a significant difference in strength between groups for ankle dorsiflexion, knee extension, or knee flexion. Our model of calf circumference over time showed that BFR had a positive but insignificant correlation to calf circumference (p = 0.59). The only factors that demonstrated a significant (p<0.05) positive relationship to calf circumference were male sex and BMI.Conclusion:We have observed significant advantages in the BFR group when analyzing absolute calf strength metrics when compared to a randomized control group. This indicates that, when used during rehabilitation following Achilles rupture, BFR therapy may increase the strength of the operative leg and may facilitate recovery and outcome.

The heel-raise test for ankle plantarflexor strength: a scoping review and meta-analysis of studies providing norms.

[Purpose] The heel-raise test (HRT) is sometimes used to quantify ankle plantarflexion strength. However, descriptions of the test vary and normative values are limited. This paper, therefore was generated to summarize procedures and provide normative values for the HRT in a younger and older age group of adults. [Methods] Electronic and hand searches were conducted to identify relevant literature. Meta-analysis was used to provide norms. [Results] Among 439 nonduplicative articles identified, 13 qualifying articles were ultimately included. Procedures for the HRT described in the studies varied considerably. The mean number of HRT repetitions was 28.7 for adults with a mean age less than 40 years and 11.8 for adults with a mean age greater than 60 years. [Conclusion] This study provides information on HRT performance and norms derived with them for younger and older adults.