[Muscle atrophy caused by limited mobilisation]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Immobilization and reduced mobility lead to detrimental physiological changes, including increased thrombosis risk, decreased fitness, and muscle atrophy.
• Understanding the immediate effects of limited mobility is crucial for patient recovery and rehabilitation protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of a few days of limited mobility on the muscles of the upper leg.
• To quantify changes in muscle size and strength following knee surgery.

Main Methods:

• 32 patients undergoing elective knee arthroscopic surgery for meniscus tear and/or cartilage damage were studied.
• Measurements of upper leg circumference (at 20cm and 10cm above the knee) and maximum quadriceps femoris strength were taken preoperatively and at 4 and 7 days post-surgery.
• The contralateral, uninjured leg served as a control.

Main Results:

• Significant decreases in upper leg circumference were observed at 20cm above the knee joint line between preoperative and both postoperative measurements.
• A significant reduction in upper leg circumference at 10cm above the knee joint line was noted between preoperative and 4-day postoperative examinations.
• No significant changes were found in lower leg circumference or muscle strength measurements.

Conclusions:

• Even a few days of limited mobility results in a reduction of muscle cross-section in load-bearing upper leg muscles.
• The quadriceps femoris muscle is susceptible to rapid atrophy following knee surgery and reduced activity.