J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact., 2013; 13(2):: 227-35., PMID: 23728109

Mechanography in childhood: references for grip force, multiple one-leg hopping force and whole body stiffness.

Year: 2013

Lang I, Busche P, Rakhimi N, Rawer R, Martin DD.
University Children"s Hospital Tübingen, Germany.

Abstract

Objective: We sought to study and procure reference values for weight-related maximum isometric grip force (MIGF), maximum voluntary force in relation to body weight (Fmvrel) and peak whole body stiffness (pKwb) in multiple one-legged hopping (m1LH) in childhood. Methods: We examined 868 children and adolescents (436 female) aged 3 to 19 yrs. Weight related results are reported as multiples of earth"s gravity (g). Results: MIFG and Fmvm1LH are highly linearly correlated with body weight. After adjustment for weight, mean Fmvrelm1LH increases from the age of 3 to 6 yrs, then remains at 3.33 g (SD 0.31 g) between 6 and 19 yrs, independent of age and gender. The difference between legs decreases from 10% at 3 yrs to a constant 5.5% after the age of 7 yrs. Weight-adjusted MIGF also increases steeply from 3 to 6 yrs, then shows a further linear, less steep increase - in males through to age 19 yrs while females show a near-standstill after the age of 12 yrs. pKwbm1LH increases from the age of 7 yrs. Conclusion: This data from normal children from a healthy Caucasian population provide a reference for tests of motor function.

GID: 3221; Last update: 07.06.2013
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