Measurement of Ankle Muscles Strength among Professional Drivers; A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Measurement of muscle strength in the lower extremities is an essential element of physical therapy evaluation because weak muscles may significantly impact a number of activities
involving walking ability and is also important for the prevention of sports injuries and musculoskeletal deformities.Objective: The objective of this study is to measure the
strength of ankle muscles in professional drivers using dynamometer. Methodology: The sample size of this cross sectional study was 80. Minimum age was 19 years and maximum was 31 years. Participants were divided into two groups' i.e.: professional drivers and nonprofessional drivers. Dynamometer was used to measure muscle strength. The strength of ankle
dorsi flexors and plantar flexors was measured through handheld dynamometer by using convenient sampling technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21 software. Results: Mean strength of right sided ankle planter flexors in professional drivers was 42.69±6.19lbs and among non-professional drivers was 27.97±3.60lbs (p value <0.001).Mean strength of left sided ankle planter flexor in professional drivers was 42.49±5.48lbs and among nonprofessional drivers was 27.63±4.11lbs. Mean strength of left sided ankle dorsi flexor in professional drivers was 43.14±7.16lbs and among non-professional drivers  was 23.96±4.40lbs.Conclusions: Ankle planter flexors and dorsi flexors of both right and left side were found to be stronger in professional drivers as compared to nonprofessional drivers.