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Isokinetic Evaluation of Knee Extensor/Flexor Muscle Strength in Behcet's Patients
Acta Reumatologica Portuguesa
|February 29, 2016
Summary
Patients with Behçet's disease (BD) exhibit significantly weaker knee extensor and flexor muscles compared to healthy individuals. This study highlights the importance of monitoring muscle strength in BD patients.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Neurology
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Behçet's disease (BD) is a rare, multisystemic inflammatory disorder.
- Muscle weakness is a potential complication, impacting quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare isokinetic knee muscle strength (flexors and extensors) in Behçet's disease patients versus healthy controls.
- To assess the impact of BD on lower limb muscle function.
Main Methods:
- Isokinetic strength testing of knee flexors and extensors at 90°/sec, 120°/sec, and 150°/sec.
- Inclusion of 25 BD patients (no active knee arthritis) and 25 healthy controls.
- Measurement of peak torque (Nm) and peak torque adjusted for body weight (%) for comparison.
Main Results:
- BD patients showed significantly lower peak torque (Nm) for both knee extensors and flexors at all tested velocities compared to controls (p < 0.05).
- Peak torque adjusted for body weight was also significantly reduced in BD patients.
- No significant difference was observed in the agonist-antagonist muscle ratio between groups.
Conclusions:
- Isokinetic knee flexor and extensor muscle strength are demonstrably reduced in individuals with Behçet's disease.
- Regular assessment of muscle strength is recommended for managing patients with BD.
