Isokinetic Muscle Torque in the Dorsiflexors of the Ankle in Children 6-15 Years of Age. Normal Values and Evaluation of the Method

Abstract

Isokinetic muscle torque of the dorsiflexors of the ankle was tested in 137 children 6-15 years old. Reference values in different age groups are given for girls and boys separately. Generally, peak torque values increased with age. However, the developed torque/kg bodyweight showed no significant difference in 15-year-old girls compared to 12-year-old girls. For prediction of normal torque the best parameters are age, weight and height. The maximal torque and work values generally increased with increasing weight and height. The prediction was not improved by adding factors like length of the lower leg, calf circumference and length of the foot. In the youngest age groups, the stronger leg, in the highest velocities, was on the dominant side, while in the older groups the strongest leg, at least in slow velocities, was on the non-dominant side. The boys seem to have their most intensive force development between 12 and 15 years while this occurs earlier in girls.