Muscle function assessment in children

Abstract

Assessment of muscle function has a range of applications, including appraisal of the presence and severity of muscle weakness and fatigability, examination of the effectiveness of intervention programmes and development and monitoring of training programmes. Muscle function assessment is routinely performed in rehabilitation, physical education, coaching and research. Procedures have been extensively examined in adults, but not in children. The aim of this review is to bring to the forefront the issue of paediatric muscle function assessment. Objective methods of muscle function assessment are critically analysed with specific attention to the issues of applicability, validity and reliability. Each of the methods reviewed (isokinetic dynamometry, hand-held dynamometry, field tests, and standard weights equipment) has its limitations. All procedures have been occasionally studied for validity and reliability and optimal procedures have yet to be identified. Methodological limits can be generalized to the type and speed of activation, standardization of procedures, subject familiarization, gravity and size and psychological influences. It is important for administrators of muscle function tests to be aware of the various factors that can both influence and confound interpretation. It was concluded that muscle function assessment in children requires significant further investigation. Although there is a wide range of procedures available, there is limited and equivocal research proving validity and reliability. Widespread use of the most valid and reliable methods is encouraged. Future research directions are also considered.

The bilateral strength and power asymmetries in untrained boys

“…According to the authors, isokinetic tests do not reflect the movement of the limbs involved during jumping. Jones and Stratton [14] publish significant correlation between bilateral ratio of muscular strength in leg-press and drop jumps tests ( r =.698, p <.05) in adult athletes. Jumping motion and legpress exercise requires the activation of all lower limb muscle groups and joints; it is a closed chain exercise.…”

Grip strength in children: Test–retest reliability using Grippit

“…Children may over the trials learn a better technique or dare to squeeze harder and thus produce the maximal value at the third trial. Children might exhibit greater learning effects due to developmental processes and the novelty of the task (5). Hence, minimum three test trials are recommended when maximal grip strength is targeted.…”

“…Grip strength evaluation is often used in children for the same purposes in addition to assess development. In a review on muscle function assessment in children, Jones and Stratton specifically point out the importance of reliability and standardization while emphasizing the need to consider the differences between children and adults (5). Only a few studies have evaluated the reliability of grip strength in children.…”

A School-Based Exercise Intervention Program Increases Muscle Strength in Prepubertal Boys

“…Three submaximal trials were given prior to each testing velocities to assist with familiarization to the testing. In the literature, a familiarization to procedure prior to test is recommended although its validity has not been confirmed [35]. A total of five maximal repetitions (flexion and extension) at 60° sec were performed.…”