Priscila Bunn

Explanatory models of muscle performance in acromegaly patients evaluated by knee isokinetic dynamometry: Implications for rehabilitation.

PURPOSEnTo evaluate the effects of demographics and hormonal variations on knee muscle performance in patients with acromegaly and develop explanatory models of peripheral muscle function in these individuals.nnnMETHODSnThis was a cross-sectional study in which 53 acromegalics and 27 healthy subjects underwent knee isokinetic dynamometry to evaluate the peak torque value for leg extension at 75°/s (PTE75) and 240°/s (PTE240). Separate multivariable linear regression models for the prediction of PTE75 and PTE240 were tested using variables commonly used as predictors in the clinical setting and other specific variables related to acromegaly.nnnRESULTSnThe final prediction model for PTE75 (R(2)=0.888; adjusted R(2)=0.820, SE of bias=16.2Nm, p<0.001) was -0.221×growth hormone+36.791×sexmale=1-27.407×statusactive=1-0.690×age+148.071. The final prediction model for PTE240 (R(2)=0.816; adjusted R(2)=0.805, SE of bias=8.8Nm, p<0.001) was -0.174×growth hormone+12.522×sexmale=1-0.520×age+98.099.nnnCONCLUSIONSnIn acromegalics, high growth hormone levels, female gender, and older age are associated with reduced muscle strength and endurance. Additionally, active disease negatively affects peripheral muscle strength in these patients.

Muscle function in women with systemic sclerosis: Association with fatigue and general physical function

Background Individuals with systemic sclerosis have muscle functions with varying degrees of muscle weakness and atrophy, which in turn can have a negative impact on functional and health‐related quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate peripheral muscle performance using isokinetic dynamometry of the knee in women with systemic sclerosis and to correlate peripheral muscle dysfunction with disability levels and general fatigue. Methods Twenty‐six women with systemic sclerosis and a matched control group with an equal number of women underwent knee isokinetic dynamometry at angular speeds of 75°/s and 240°/s, isometric handgrip strength, the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index, the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy‐Fatigue scale, and the Fatigue Impact Scale. Findings Women with systemic sclerosis showed significant reductions in almost all isokinetic parameters for the two angular velocities tested compared with the controls. An agonist/antagonist ratio with values < 40% was observed in approximately one‐third of the patients. These patients had lower isometric handgrip strength. These patients also performed worse on the two general fatigue scales evaluated. Significant correlations were observed between the isokinetic parameters and the measured isometric handgrip strength, and the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index. Interpretation Systemic sclerosis patients have reduced strength and endurance as well as a muscle imbalance between the quadriceps and hamstrings. In these patients, lower muscle dysfunction of the knee joint is associated with lower handgrip strength and physical incapacity. HighlightsSystemic sclerosis patients were assessed using knee isokinetic dynamometry.Systemic sclerosis patients have reduced strength and endurance.Systemic sclerosis patients have an imbalance between the quadriceps and hamstrings.Lower muscle strength of the knee joint is associated with lower handgrip strength.Lower muscle strength of the knee joint is associated with physical incapacity.