Evaluation of the effects of somatotype profiles on pain, proprioception, isokinetic muscle strength and kinesiophobia in patients with meniscopathy

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Somatotype causes differentiation of physical, physiological and biochemical metabolisms in the body. To what extent meniscopathy (M) is affected by somatotype profiles has been an issue of concern. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate whether somatotype profiles have an effect on kinesiophobia, pain, proprioception and isokinetic muscle strength in patients with an M diagnosis. METHODS: 172 (85 female, 87 male) M patients between the ages of 18 and 65 were included in the study. The Heath-Carter method was used to determine somatotype components. Biodex Isokinetic system at 120∘/sec angular speed was used for muscle strength measurements, a digital inclinometer with goniometer was used for proprioception measurement, the Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TKS) was used for the assessment of kinesiophobia, the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) fatigue scale was used for the assessment of fatigue and pain, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for pain assessment. RESULTS: Five somatotype profiles were found. When the right-left knee proprioception values were compared according to the somatotype profiles of patients, a significant difference was found in favor of balanced ectomorph at 15∘ and 30∘. No significant difference was found when TKS, FACIT, VAS values were compared in terms of somatotype profiles; while no significant difference was found in TKS, FACIT, VAS (REST-NIGHT) in terms of gender, a significant difference was found in VAS MOVE. Endomorph somatotype was dominant in the M patients. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with M disease showed significant differences in terms of endomorph components. Obesity may also be one of the negative findings for M disease. Somatotype classification may represent a suitable tool for monitoring M.