Percentile values of isokinetic peak torque in children six through thirteen years old

Area of Science:

• Pediatric physical therapy
• Biomechanics
• Human movement science

Background:

• Establishing normative data for pediatric muscle strength is crucial for clinical assessment.
• Standardized isokinetic testing protocols are needed for reliable strength measurement in children.
• Previous research has not provided comprehensive isokinetic strength data for pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To standardize an isokinetic testing protocol for quadriceps and hamstrings in typically developing children aged 6-13 years.
• To generate percentile charts for isokinetic peak torque strength by gender and age.
• To identify the best predictors of strength at three different testing speeds.

Main Methods:

• A large cohort of 3587 children underwent isokinetic knee strength testing using Biodex dynamometers.
• A standardized protocol was implemented with trained therapists to ensure inter-rater reliability.
• Peak torque, time to peak torque, and agonist/antagonist ratios were recorded, along with anthropometric and maturation data.

Main Results:

• Normative percentile charts for isokinetic muscle strength were generated for quadriceps and hamstrings across three speeds (60, 120, 180 degrees/second) by age and gender.
• Height was identified as the strongest predictor of peak torque for both muscle groups at all tested speeds.
• Regression analysis provided insights into factors influencing pediatric muscle strength.

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first normative peak torque values for pediatric quadriceps and hamstrings using a standardized protocol.
• The developed normative data and protocol enable clinicians to accurately assess muscle weakness and intervention effectiveness in children.
• This research offers a valuable tool for pediatric physical therapists and researchers in evaluating and managing neuromuscular conditions.