BACKGROUND: : The chronic venous insufficiency has a considerable socioeconomic impact in western countries because of high prevalence, treatment and research cost, and loss of days worked. The health survey questionnaire Short Form Health Survey (SF36), as well as the analysis of muscle activation and mobility of tibiotarsus' articulation, is an instrument used to its valuation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the osteomuscular limitations and changes in life quality in bearers of venous ulcers in lower members. METHODS: Ten patients with ulcers classified as CEAP (Clinic, Etiologic, Anatomic and Fisiopatologic) 6 were studied. They answered the SF-36 questionnaire and visual analogue pain and performed goniometry, muscular strength and electromyography. RESULTS: The average age of the group studied was 67.4 (±11.7), being 70% of the cases female. There wasn't correlation statistically significant between pain, range of motion (ROM) muscular strength, electromyography (EMG) and the injury size. However, there was found correlation between the psychological profile of SF36 and the domain of motor activities, as well the psychological profile with social activities and the perception of itself. In studied muscles electromyographyc evaluation, was found significance too. CONCLUSION: The presence of venous ulcers in lower members can generate limitations and changes in the life quality of these people. The psychosocial aspect showed up preponderant over the motor aspect, increasing the restrictions in day life activities.
quality of life; electromyography; muscle strength; evaluation; physical therapy specialty
