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Reference values of maximum isometric muscle force obtained in 270 children aged 4-16 years by hand-held dynamometry
E A Beenakker1, J H van der Hoeven, J M Fock
1Department of Neurology, University Hospital Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, The, Groningen, Netherlands. e.a.c.beenakker@neuro.azg.nl
Insights
Establishing normal muscle force values in children aged 4-16 years is crucial for early detection of weakness. This study provides age-related reference data for 11 muscle groups using hand-held dynamometry.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Muscle force and functional ability are not linearly correlated, meaning force can decrease without impacting function.
- Early and accurate detection of muscle force loss is vital for diagnosis and therapy.
- Growth factors cause significant age-related variations in maximum muscle force in children, complicating the identification of weakness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normative reference values for muscle force in children aged 4-16 years.
- To provide data for 11 key muscle groups using hand-held dynamometry.
- To aid in the early detection and quantification of muscle weakness in pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Hand-held dynamometry was employed to measure muscle force.
- Data were collected from 11 distinct muscle groups.
- A cohort of children aged 4-16 years participated in the study.
Main Results:
- Muscle force in boys was best predicted by weight, while in girls, weight and age were the strongest predictors.
- Boys demonstrated significantly greater strength in most tested muscle groups starting at age 14.
- Normative data stratified by age and sex were generated for muscle force.
Conclusions:
- The established age-related reference values are essential for quantifying muscle weakness in specific muscle groups in children.
- These reference values will facilitate the evaluation of therapeutic interventions for pediatric muscle conditions.
- Accurate assessment of muscle force in children requires consideration of age and sex-specific norms.
Abstract:
Since muscle force and functional ability are not related linearly; maximum force can be reduced while functional ability is still maintained. For diagnostic and therapeutic reasons loss of muscle force should be detected as early and accurately as possible. Because of growth factors, maximum muscle force in children varies with age, which makes detection of force loss difficult. The purpose of this study was to establish reference values for muscle force in children aged 4-16 years, obtained by hand-held dynamometry in 11 muscle groups. In boys muscle force was predicted best by weight whereas in girls weight and age were best predictors. At age 14 boys become significantly stronger for nearly all tested muscle groups. These age-related reference values can be used to quantify muscle weakness in individual muscle groups in children aged 4-16 years and to evaluate the effects of therapy.