Article

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate trunk and knee muscle strength in patients with chronic
sciatica. METHOD: Twenty-eight patients with right-side chronic
sciatica (group 1, G1) and 40 healthy controls (group 2, G2) were evaluated using
an isokinetic dynamometer (Cybex Norm II). Quadriceps and hamstring muscle
strength were evaluated at concentric velocities of 60 and 120 degrees /s and the
trunk muscles were evaluated at concentric velocities of 60 and 90 degrees /s.
RESULTS: G1 comprised 15 women and 13 men (mean +/- SD age: 34.787+/-6.06;
weight: 65.85+/-5.33kg; height: 165+/-6.92cm). G2 comprised 20 women and 20 men
(mean +/- SD age: 35.92+/-6.66; weight: 67.07+/-6.12kg; height: 165.82+/-7.65cm.
There were no significant inter-group differences concerning these parameters. In
G1, the peak torque values for the trunk extensors were 123.71+/-32.45 and
108.85+/-32.07 Newton metres (Nm) at angular velocities of 60 and 90 degrees /s,
respectively. In G2, the values were 192.73+/-64.24 and 168.65+/-53.96Nm,
respectively. In G1, the peak torque values for the trunk flexors were
134.32+/-30.77 and 124.39+/-32.59Nm at angular velocities of 60 and 90 degrees
/s, respectively. In G2, they were 177.44+/-44.1 and 157.81+/-39.01 Nm,
respectively. The difference between G1 and G2 was statistically significant. The
peak torque for the right quadriceps in G1 was 100.03+/-24.45 and 78.71+/-22.92Nm
at angular velocities of 60 and 120 degrees /s, respectively. In G2, these values
were 160.5+/-36.34 and 131.05+/-33.42Nm. The peak torque for the hamstrings in G1
was 56.42+/-13.02 and 50+/-13.55Nm at angular velocities of 60 and 120 degrees
/s, respectively. In G2, these values were 97.77+/-33.32 and 84.72+/-31.41Nm.
Again the difference between G1 and G2 was statistically significant. We also
noted a statistically significant difference between G1 and G2 in terms of the
peak quadriceps and hamstring torque values on the left side. In G1, the
quadriceps and hamstrings were significantly weaker on the sciatica side than on
the unaffected side. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated trunk and knee
muscle weakness in patients with chronic sciatica, when compared with healthy
subjects. This weakness was predominant on the sciatica side. Consequently, the
management of these patients should include a knee muscle reinforcement
programme.
CI - Copyright 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS ; FRANCAIS