Measurement of Muscle Strength of Ankle Joint Using Isokinetic Dynamometer in Normal Korean Adults

Purpose: Restoration of ankle stability through the strengthening exercise of peroneus muscles is considered an important factor for achievement of successful outcomes, in the rehabilitation program following ankle ligament injuries. However, there were few definitive data on normal muscle strength, including eversion power by peroneus muscles. This study was conducted to evaluate the muscle strength of ankle joint measured using an isokinetic dynamometer in normal Koreans. Materials and Methods: Sixty adults (120 ankles) were recruited and divided into three groups (20 in their twenties, 20 in thirties, and 20 in forties). Each group consisted of 10 males and 10 females. The selection criteria were no history of ankle injury and no evidence of instability. The peak torque, total work, and deficit ratio were measured using the Biodex$^{TM}$ (Biodex Medical Systems). Differences in muscle strength by age, gender and dominant versus non-dominant side were analyzed. Results: The peak torque of dorsiflexion was average 31.5 Nm at $30^{\circ}/s$ of angular velocity and 18.8 Nm at $90^{\circ}/s$; average 69.3 Nm ($30^{\circ}/s$) and 42.4 Nm ($90^{\circ}/s$) on plantarflexion; average 19.6 Nm ($30^{\circ}/s$) and 10.8 Nm ($90^{\circ}/s$) on inversion; average 12.9 Nm ($30^{\circ}/s$) and 8.0 Nm ($90^{\circ}/s$) on eversion. The deficit ratio of strength in women was average 61.1% of men on dorsiflexion; average 66.2% on plantarflexion; average 48.5% on inversion; average 55.4% on eversion. The deficit ratio in non-dominant foot was average 88.6% of dominant foot on dorsiflexion; average 90.1% on plantarflexion; average 85.1% on inversion; average 85.6% on eversion. Conclusion: The muscle strength of the ankle joint showed a tendency to weaken with age. There were significant differences in muscle strength by gender and dominancy. Further studies for comparison of patients with ankle instability, a comparison between before and after surgery for instability, the correlation between clinical outcomes and the recovery in muscle strength will be needed.

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