ISOMETRIC AN ISOKINETIC MUSCLE STRENGTH IN PATIENTS WITH FIBROSITIS SYNDROME - NEW CHARACTERISTICS FOR A DIFFICULT DEFINABLE CATEGORY OF PATIENTS

  • 1 January 1987
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 16  (1) , 61-65
Abstract
A common complaint among patients with fibrositis syndrome is exhaustion and fatique. It was therefore felt desirable to evaluate the muscle strength of these patients compared with normal subjects. Maximum isometric and isokinetic strength of knee extension was measured in 15 patients and 15 healthy matched subjects, using an isokinetic dynamometer (Cybex II). Maximum isometric strength at various knee extension angles (90.degree., 60.degree. and 30.degree. degrees) was significantly (p < 0.001) lower in the fibrositis group than in controls, a reduction of approximately 58-66%. Maximum isokinetic strength at various knee extension velocities (30-240.degree. per second) was also significantly (p < 0.01) lower in the fibrositis group than in controls, the reduction being approximately 41-51%. In conclusion, isometric and isokinetic muscle strength is found to be lower in patients with fibrositis syndrome than in healthy subjects.