Evaluation of the Isokinetic Calf Muscle Strength and the Range of Motion of Joint in C3 Chronic Venous Insufficiency

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to compare the isokinetic muscle strength and range of motion (ROM) values of the ankle between patients diagnosed with C(3) chronic venous insufficiency (group 1, n=57) and healthy individuals (group 2, n=30). MATERIALS AND METHODS: After identifying the venous refilling time (VRT) of all participants, the active ROM of the ankle joint and plantar flexion (PF) and dorsi-flexion (DF) muscle strength in the concentric/concentric mode at angular velocities of 60°/sec and 120°/sec were measured. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the demographic data of groups 1 and 2 (P>0.05). In total, 102 lower extremities were included in group 1 and 60 lower extremities in group 2. The VRT of the patients in group 1 was 15.5±5.6 seconds, the PF ROM of the ankle joint was 39.3°±9.5°, and the DF ROM of the ankle joint was 27°±8°; in group 2, the VRT, PF ROM, and DF ROM were 36±8.1 seconds, 41°±6.2°, and 27.2°±7.5°, respectively. Statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of VRT (P<0.05); however, no statistically significant difference was observed in terms of ankle ROM (P>0.05). Statistically significant difference was found in terms of all parameters of isokinetic muscle strength measurements, such as peak torque, peak torque/body weight, total work done, and ratio (DF/PF) in group 1 (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: The lower extremity muscle strength of patients with chronic venous insufficiency was low, and this weakness was prominent particularly in the direction of PF.