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Quadriceps muscle strength and voluntary activation after polio
Author(s) -
Beelen Anita,
Nollet Frans,
de Visser Marianne,
de Jong Bareld A.,
Lankhorst Gustaaf J.,
Sargeant Anthony J.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.10428
Subject(s) - poliomyelitis , medicine , weakness , quadriceps muscle , muscle weakness , physical medicine and rehabilitation , muscle strength , physical therapy , anatomy , pediatrics
Quadriceps strength, maximal anatomical cross‐sectional area (CSA), maximal voluntary activation (MVA), and maximal relaxation rate (MRR) were studied in 48 subjects with a past history of polio, 26 with and 22 without postpoliomyelitis syndrome (PPS), and in 13 control subjects. It was also investigated whether, apart from CSA, MVA and MRR were determinants of muscle strength. Polio subjects had significantly less strength, CSA, and MRR in the more‐affected quadriceps than control subjects. MVA was reduced in 18 polio subjects and normal in all controls. PPS subjects differed from non‐PPS subjects only in that the MVA of the more‐affected quadriceps was significantly lower. Both CSA and MVA were found to be associated with muscle strength. Quadriceps strength in polio subjects was dependent not only on muscle mass, but also on the ability to activate the muscles. Since impaired activation was more pronounced in PPS subjects, the new muscle weakness and functional decline in PPS may be due not only to a gradual loss of muscle fibers, but also to an increasing inability to activate the muscles. Muscle Nerve 28: 218–226, 2003