Article

OBJECTIVE: To compare quadriceps fatigability during maximal concentric
contractions in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) and healthy subjects.
DESIGN: Observational study. SETTING: Hospital rehabilitation department.
PARTICIPANTS: Persons with MS (n=38) and healthy subjects (n=14) were included
(N=52). Torque of the knee flexor and extensor muscles and fatigability of the
knee extensor muscles were evaluated using an isokinetic device. Surface
electromyographic activity of the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, biceps
femoris, and semitendinosus muscles was recorded. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN
OUTCOME MEASURE: Muscle fatigability (torque fatigue index). RESULTS: The torque
fatigue index was lower in persons with MS than in healthy subjects, but when
torque was normalized to maximal isometric peak torque, persons with MS and
healthy subjects finished the fatigue protocol at exactly the same level of
relative strength (50% of the maximal isometric peak torque). Moreover, the
reduction in torque was primarily because of a reduction in neuromuscular
efficiency, with no changes of coactivation of antagonist muscles. CONCLUSIONS:
Although fatigue is a disabling symptom of MS, persons with MS develop less
muscle fatigability than healthy subjects during repeated maximal concentric
contractions, but they end up at the same level of relative strength.
CI - Copyright (c) 2017 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS