RESUMEN

The vastus lateralis muscle is one of the four muscles that make up the quadriceps femoris muscle, and it is also the largest of them. Some studies have shown that patients experience lower quality of life and muscle weakness after surgical treatment of thigh muscles in order to perform reconstructive surgery of the head and neck. The aim of our study was to assess the quantitative and qualitative function of the lower extremities using an isokinetic dynamometer and a validated questionnaire on subjective difficulties in patients who underwent reconstructive surgery with the vastus lateralis free flap. Fourteen participants aged 20-70 years who suffered from malignant tumor in the head and neck region. The free vastus lateralis flap was used for reconstruction. All patients underwent isokinetic dynamometric measurement with the isokinetic dynamometer to test the isokinetic functions of the thigh muscles after surgery. In addition, subjective assessment of the lower extremities was performed using the validated questionnaire Lower Extremity Functional Scale. All isometric dynamometer measurements of the donor leg were compared with those of the unoperated leg. Peak torque and average power were significantly lower in the operated leg compared with the unoperated leg after 60°/s extension (p = 0.018 for peak torque, p = 0.021 for average power) and 180°/s extension (p = 0.019 for peak torque, p = 0.015 for average power). On the other hand, there was no statistically significant difference in dynamometer measurements after 60°/s flexion (p = 0.700 for peak torque, p = 0.854 for average power, and 180°/s flexion (p = 0.634 for peak torque, p = 0.571 for average power). The median value for the LEFS was 65.5 (40.00-71.25). The results of this study showed that there is a significant deterioration regarding the biophysical properties of the operated leg after harvesting vastus lateralis free flap.

Asunto(s)

Pierna , Calidad de Vida , Humanos , Pierna/fisiología , Colgajos Quirúrgicos , Músculo Esquelético , Muslo , Torque

RESUMEN

The purpose of this study is to investigate the risk factors of metabolic syndrome, cardiorespiratory fitness, knee isokinetic function, and osteoarthritis index inpatients with knee osteoarthritis women. Subjects were divided into the exercise group (n=9, aged 60.89±5.06), and the control groups (n=8, aged 61.25±1.91). Aquatic exercise was performed for 12 weeks, 3 times a week, 60 min a day. The changes of metabolic syndrome risk factors, cardiorespiratory fitness, knee isokinetic function, and WOMAC index (Western Ontario and McMaster University osteoarthritis index) were measured and analyzed at pre- and postexercise program for verifying exercise effectiveness. As a result, fasting blood glucose (P<0.05), glycosylated hemoglobin (P<0.01), and triglyceride (P<0.05) were significantly decreased in the risk factors of metabolic syndrome. The maximum oxygen uptake in cardiorespiratory fitness was not significantly different. The left and right extensor muscles of knee isokinetic function increased significantly (P<0.01, P<0.01, respectively). There was no significant difference in flexor muscles. Osteoarthritis index was significantly improved in stiffness (P<0.01) and physical function (P<0.05). In conclusion, aquatic exercise can be regarded as an effective exercise program for managing metabolic syndrome risk factors, increasing muscle function, and improving osteoarthritis index in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

RESUMEN

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the difference in isokinetic muscle function in football athletes with a knee injury with and without kinesio taping. [Subjects] The subjects for this study were 10 football athletes (males) with a knee injury. [Methods] Measurements were performed by using Cybex dynamometer under uniform motion before and after the application of kinesio tape to the quadriceps and hamstring muscle. Maximal concentric knee extension and flexion at three angular velocities (60°/s, 120°/s, and 180°/s) were measured. [Results] A significant difference was found in peak torque and total work of the flexion at 120°/s and 180°/s, as well as in the average power of extension at 180°/s. [Conclusion] Though it is not the main therapy for muscle function in football athletes with injury, kinesio taping was an effective adjunct therapy.