KNEE FLEXOR-EXTENSOR STRENGTH IN CHILDREN

Isokinetic measurements of knee flexion extension in children and adolescents are a useful means of quantifying strength. In the routine clinical situation with a unilateral problem, evaluation of the affected extremity is usually based on comparisons with the unaffected side. To interpret these results, there must be an appreciation for normal side-to-side differences. Twenty-one normal, healthy children (ages 6-16 years) were evaluated using a Cybex II isokinetic dynamometer at 90 and 240-degrees/sec. In children who were able to generate peak torque values greater than 50 ft-lbs, the side-to-side differences in peak torque averaged 11 +/- 12% (XBAR +/- SD). A similar amount of variability has been reported with adults. For children with whom peak torque values were less than 50 ft-lbs, the side-to-side differences were much greater (XBAR = 22 +/- 19%). The stronger leg was equally likely to be on the nondominant side as the dominant side. Side-to-side variability was slightly decreased if the mean of several repetitions was used for comparisons rather than comparing just the single highest peak torque values.