Muscle performance in detoxified alcoholics

Although numerous reports have described alcohol muscle dysfunction (myopathy) in histochemical and morphological terms, a description of the relative impact of alcoholism on the functional capabilities (strength, power) of the various muscle groups of the arms and legs has not been reported.

The strength of flexor and extensor muscles of the elbow, knee and ankle was evaluated in a group of healthy detoxified white, alcoholic men (N = 83) and lifestyle control subjects (N = 61) using a computer-operated isokinetic dynamometer.

The muscle mass (muscle-plus-bone cross-sectional area) did not differ significantly in alcoholics and controls for any of the limbs studied. Tests of isokinetic torque, work and power revealed small deficits (3-8%) in alcoholics in muscle groups involved in elbow flexion/extension, knee extension and ankle dorsiflexion. Tests of isometric torque in the knee extensors at different degrees of muscle stretch revealed approximately 4-6% lower torque in alcoholics at four different muscle lengths. The force-velocity (isoinertia knee extension) measures indicated slightly slower speeds of contraction (3.9-6.6%) in alcoholics under varying load conditions.

The small magnitude of the muscle performance deficit in this group of alcoholics was less than expected and is probably related to (1) the elimination of subjects with other medical comorbidities or polydrug abuse, (2) the comparison with a control group of somewhat similar lifestyle and (3) the long (35-day) detoxification period elapsing before testing.