Plantar flexor strength and size decrease following single-leg disuse in uninjured adults: A meta-analysis.

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Biomechanics
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Plantar flexors are crucial for locomotion and balance.
• Previous studies show single-leg disuse impacts plantar flexor strength and size.
• No meta-analysis has quantified these effects in uninjured adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively assess changes in plantar flexor strength.
• To quantitatively assess changes in plantar flexor size.
• To analyze effects of single-leg disuse in uninjured adults.

Main Methods:

• Meta-analysis of 19 studies using unilateral lower limb immobilization (cast/brace).
• Included studies published up to January 30, 2022.
• Analyzed original research reporting plantar flexor strength and size measures.

Main Results:

• Single-leg disuse decreased plantar flexor strength (Hedges g = -0.71).
• Plantar flexor size also decreased (Hedges g = -0.33).
• Effects observed across various disuse durations (7-35 days).

Conclusions:

• Single-leg disuse leads to significant reductions in plantar flexor strength and size.
• Findings align with meta-analyses on knee extensor declines.
• Future research should include more females and older adults.