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Attenuated maximal muscle strength and peak power in children with sickle cell disease

Kelly A Dougherty1, Joan I Schall, Alisha J Rovner

  • 1Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. doughertyk@email.chop.edu

Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
|January 14, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD-SS) exhibit reduced muscle strength and peak power compared to healthy peers. These deficits exceed those explained by body composition, indicating additional contributing factors in anaerobic performance.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Hematology
  • Sports Medicine

Background:

  • Sickle cell disease (SCD-SS) is a genetic blood disorder affecting red blood cells.
  • Children with SCD-SS often experience growth and body composition differences.
  • Assessing muscle function is crucial for understanding overall health in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare maximal handgrip strength and peak power in African-American children with and without SCD-SS.
  • To determine if strength and power deficits in SCD-SS are solely due to body size and composition.
  • To investigate potential additional factors contributing to reduced anaerobic performance in SCD-SS.

Main Methods:

  • Maximal handgrip strength and peak power were measured in children aged 5-13 years.
  • Measurements were taken using a handgrip dynamometer and a force plate.
  • Data were adjusted for body size and composition (Z scores).

Main Results:

  • Children with SCD-SS had significantly lower Z scores for height, weight, BMI, and various body composition measures.
  • SCD-SS group showed significantly lower handgrip strength and peak power.
  • Adjusted Z scores for handgrip strength and peak power were significantly lower in children with SCD-SS.

Conclusions:

  • Maximal muscle strength and peak power are attenuated in children with SCD-SS.
  • These deficits are greater than expected based on growth and body composition alone.
  • Additional factors beyond physical growth contribute to impaired anaerobic performance in SCD-SS.

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