Article

Objective: To gain insight in gait and calf muscle endurance in patients with severe chronic venous insufficiency. Methods: Fifteen patients with severe chronic venous insufficiency ( healed or active ulcers) and 19 healthy controls were selected for this study. Subjects had to perform eight trials at preferred walking speed and eight trials at instructed walking speed ( 1.25 m/ s) during which the gait parameters were recorded. The calf muscle endurance was tested by use of the heel- rise test. Results: Patients had a significantly lower preferred walking speed ( 1.25 m/ s +/- 0.31) compared with healthy controls ( 1.44 m/ s +/- 0.0.15) ( p = 0.039). During preferred walking speed patients had a wider base of support ( p = 0.003), a bigger step time ( p = 0.005), and a bigger stride time ( p = 0.004) compared with healthy controls. At instructed walking speed only base of support was different between the two groups ( p = 0.016). Patients had a significantly ( p = 0.003) smaller number of heel rises ( 14.69 +/- 7.34), indicating decreased calf muscle endurance compared with controls ( 23.5 +/- 6.54). Conclusion: This study indicates a disturbed gait and decreased calf muscle endurance in patients with severe chronic venous insufficiency. The results of this study point to a possible role for gait and strength training in the rehabilitation process of patients with severe chronic venous insufficiency.

Langue : ANGLAIS