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Isometric strength measurements in children with arthritis: reliability and relation to function
1School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Summary
Measuring isometric strength in children with juvenile arthritis (JA) is reliable. Strength testing showed good reliability and correlated with functional outcomes in pediatric arthritis patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Clinical Measurement
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Juvenile arthritis (JA) impacts muscle strength and function in children.
- Reliable strength assessment is crucial for monitoring disease progression and treatment efficacy in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the reliability of isometric strength testing in children diagnosed with juvenile arthritis.
- To investigate the correlation between measured muscle strength and functional capacity in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Grip, pinch, hip abductor, and knee extensor strength were assessed in children with JA.
- Intrarater and interrater reliability were determined using intraclass correlations (ICC).
- Functional status was evaluated using the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and a 50-meter run.
Main Results:
- All strength measures exhibited excellent intrarater (ICC = 0.92-0.97) and good interrater (ICC = 0.80-0.95) reliability.
- Grip and pinch strength correlated significantly with CHAQ scores (r = -0.45 and -0.33).
- Hip abduction and knee extension torque correlated with 50-meter run performance (rho = -0.34 and -0.38).
Conclusions:
- Isometric strength testing is a reliable method for assessing children with arthritis in clinical settings.
- Strength measurements demonstrate a relationship with functional abilities in pediatric arthritis.