[Functional diagnosis of the musculoskeletal and locomotor system in pediatric practice]

Non-traumatic injuries of the muscular-skeletal system and connective tissue are expressed typically in early childhood; in young adults the morbidity rate is high and serious health problems follow in later life. For prophylaxis to be successful, early specific diagnosis is necessary. In order to identify postural weaknesses and damage in the context of paediatric practice, the authors recommend a double test to evaluate condition and coordination (combination of Matthias's forward stretched arm holding test with Janda's test of abdominal muscle strength). They describe their own experience of conducting and evaluating these quick means of functional diagnosis and the problems of their use in the context of preventive medical examinations conducted by the Health Care for Children and Adolescents.