title: Analysis of isokinetic muscle function and postural control in individuals with intermittent claudication.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Intermittent claudication (IC) is a debilitating condition that mostly affects elderly people. IC is manifested by a decrease in ambulatory function. Individuals with IC present with motor and sensory nerve dysfunction in the lower extremities, which may lead to deficits in balance.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to measure postural control and isokinetic muscle function in individuals with intermittent claudication.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study included 32 participants of both genders, 16 IC participants (mean age: 64 years, SD=6) and 16 healthy controls (mean age: 67 years, SD=5), which were allocated into two groups: intermittent claudication group (ICG) and control group (CG). Postural control was assessed using the displacement and velocity of the center of pressure (COP) during the sensory organization test (SOT) and the motor control test (MCT). Muscle function of the flexor and extensor muscles of the knee and ankle was measured by an isokinetic dynamometer. Independent t tests were used to calculate the between-group differences.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The ICG presented greater displacement (p =0.027) and speed (p =0.033) of the COP in the anteroposterior direction (COPap) during the MCT, as well as longer latency (p =0.004). There were no between-group differences during the SOT. The ICG showed decreased muscle strength and power in the plantar flexors compared to the CG.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Subjects with IC have lower values of strength and muscle power of plantiflexores, as well as changes in postural control in dynamic conditions. These individuals may be more vulnerable to falls than healthy subjects.
authors.affiliation: Centro de Ciências da Saúde e Esportes, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brasil.
authors.forename: Morgan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lanzarin
authors.affiliation: Centro de Ciências da Saúde e Esportes, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brasil.
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Parizoto
authors.affiliation: Centro de Ciências da Saúde e Esportes, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brasil.
authors.forename: Gilmar M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Santos
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls; D000368:Aged; D000842:Ankle / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007383:Intermittent Claudication / Q000503:physiopathology; D007717:Knee / Q000502:physiology*; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000502:physiology; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*