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.

Department of Pediatrics University Hospital Motol 2nd Faculty of Medicine Charles University Prague Czech Republic

Short-term low-carbohydrate diet decreases body weight and fat mass but not muscle strength in children and young people with type 1 diabetes

Musculoskeletal system in children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease: normal muscle force, decreased trabecular bone mineral density and low prevalence of vertebral fractures