J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact, 2013; 13(3): 259-73, PMID: 23989251

Reference data for jumping mechanography in healthy children and adolescents aged 6-18 years.

Year: 2013

Sumnik Z, Matyskova J, Hlavka Z, Durdilova L, Soucek O, Zemkova D
Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Motol, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic.

Abstract

Objectives: To present gender-specific pediatric normative data on the main parameters of muscle function assessed using jumping mechanography. Methods: The study population included 796 non-selected Caucasian children and adolescents (432 girls and 364 boys) aged 6-19 years recruited from 6 primary schools and 3 high schools. Maximum peak power (Pmax) was examined by a single two-legged jump, and maximum force (Fmax) was examined by a multiple one-legged hopping. All measurements were performed using a portable force platform (Leonardo Mechanograph, Novotec). Pmax, Pmax/mass, Fmax and Fmax/body weight were analyzed as the main outcome parameters. LMS method was used to generate age- and weight-specific reference smooth curves. Results: Both Pmax and Fmax were strongly dependent on age and weight in both genders (all p<0.001). In prepubertal children, there was no intergender difference in Pmax or Fmax. Both parameters steadily increased in boys and plateaued in girls aged >13 years. Whereas Pmax/mass was more dependent on anthropometric parameters, Fmax/BW remained nearly constant with respect to age and weight. Conclusions: These reference data are intended to assist clinicians in the assessment of muscle function by jumping mechanography in pediatric patients.

GID: 3304; Last update: 10.09.2013
More information: Original Article