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Isometric muscle force and anthropometric values in normal children aged between 3.5 and 15 years
E Bäckman1, P Odenrick, K G Henriksson
1Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden.
Insights
This study measured isometric muscle force in children aged 3.5-15 years. Boys showed significantly greater muscle force than girls in most groups by age 10, with age and weight being key predictors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Physiology
- Biomechanics
- Human Motor Development
Background:
- Establishing normative data for isometric muscle force in children is crucial for understanding growth and development.
- Previous research has indicated potential sex-based differences in muscle strength during childhood.
- Accurate measurement techniques are essential for reliable reference values.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish reference values for isometric muscle force in a cohort of normal children aged 3.5 to 15 years.
- To investigate potential sex differences in isometric muscle force across various muscle groups.
- To identify key predictors of isometric muscle force in children.
Main Methods:
- Isometric muscle force was measured in 217 children (aged 3.5-15 years) using standardized procedures.
- Inter-observer and intra-observer reliability were assessed to ensure measurement accuracy.
- Statistical analyses were performed to determine reference values, compare sexes, and identify predictive factors.
Main Results:
- Reference values for isometric muscle force were established for boys and girls separately.
- Significant differences in muscle force favoring boys were observed in 7 out of 10 muscle groups by approximately 10 years of age.
- Childhood isometric muscle force demonstrated a strong correlation with both chronological age and body weight.
Conclusions:
- This study provides valuable normative data for pediatric isometric muscle force.
- Sex-based differences in muscle strength emerge during childhood, becoming significant around age 10.
- Age and weight are the primary determinants of isometric muscle force in developing children.
Abstract:
Isometric muscle force was measured in 217 normal children aged 3.5-15 years. The standard error of a single determination made by the same observer was ca. 9% of the muscle force. When two measurements were made by different observers the standard error of the difference was estimated at ca. 17%. Reference values for isometric force are given for boys and girls separately. With regard to 7 of the 10 muscle groups tested the force was significantly greater in boys than in girls as early as at ca. 10 years of age. Age and weight were the most important predictors of muscle force.