The decline of aerobic capacity and muscle strength following fractures of the lower limb.

Aerobic capacities and muscle strengths of the uninjured limbs have been measured in patients who had suffered fractures of the lower limb. In patients treated in plaster-of-Paris aerobic capacity and strength fell rapidly following injury, to an extent greater than might be expected as a result of resting in bed. Before removal of the plaster-of-Paris, both aerobic capacity and strength had improved. Further improvement occurred in the injured limb after resuming use of the injured limb. In patients treated by traction and thus subjected to long periods in bed, the reductions of aerobic capacity and strength, measured shortly after resuming movements, were more profound than in patients treated with plaster-of-Paris.