Factors associated with calf muscle endurance recovery 1 year after achilles tendon rupture repair.
METHODS
Cohort study.


OBJECTIVE
To describe calf muscle endurance recovery and to explore factors predictive of poor calf muscle endurance recovery 1 year after surgical repair of an Achilles tendon rupture (ATR).


BACKGROUND
ATR is a common sports-related injury and is often managed with open surgical repair. After ATR repair most patients return to usual activities 6 months after surgery. However, calf endurance impairment can persist up to 6 years, possibly impacting performance of daily activities and sport.


METHODS
A secondary analysis of a 73-patient cohort from a randomized controlled trial assessing the effects of early weight bearing after surgical repair of an ATR was performed. Calf muscle endurance recovery was measured by single-heel raises using a customized counting device at 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. Descriptive statistics were used to outline recovery of calf muscle endurance. Physical and patient-reported outcomes were examined for their association with calf-muscle endurance recovery. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to explore variables associated with recovery of calf endurance 1 year postoperatively.


RESULTS
Mean recovery of calf muscle endurance was 76% at 1 year. Multivariate regression analysis showed an association of being female, reporting no resting pain at 3 months, and physical functioning and calf endurance at 6 months, with better recovery of calf endurance at 1 year.


CONCLUSIONS
Calf muscle endurance at 1 year remained impaired in a considerable portion of the sample. Pain, gender, and physical functioning are likely important factors in determining recovery of calf muscle endurance.


METHODS
Prognosis, level 2b.J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(6):345-351, Epub 15 April 2010. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.3204.
Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada. bostick@ualberta.ca
Geoff P
GP
Bostick
Nadr M
NM
Jomha
Amar A
AA
Suchak
Lauren A
LA
Beaupré
D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology*; D012421:Rupture / Q000601:surgery; D012737:Sex Factors