Strenght and power in children with low motor performance scores: A descriptive analysis

Abstract

This study aimed to explore descriptive average values of strength and explosive power tasks in children with LMP scores, and individually analyze their strength and power outputs with age progression. Twenty-four children were tested on the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC-2). Five children scored below the 15^th percentile (10.8±1.7 yrs) and were placed in the LMP group (n = 5). Nineteen children (10.7±1.7 yrs) were included on the TD group (n =19). Participants isometric, isokinetic and handgrip strength and explosive power were tested. The group of children with LMP presented inferior descriptive mean scores as compared to the group with TD children at knee isometric and isokinetic, handgrip, long jump and vertical jump tests. In addition, the results demonstrated that strength and power increase with age for those children with LMP. The findings suggest that children with LMP may be delayed in developing strength and power, which may be affecting their ability to perform gross and fine motor skills at the same level as their TD peers. We recommend that intervention programs for children with LMP include specific motor tasks and exercises focusing on neuromuscular coordination as well as ability to manage muscle strength and power levels.