Atividade ST-DP em crianças típicas e com paralisia cerebral de 5 a 12 anos de idade

Abstract

Background:The isokinetic dynamometer has been considered the gold standard evaluation to measure muscle performance. However, the reliability for passive mode forchildren has not beenreported yet. The purpose was to evaluate the reliability of isokinetic dynamometer in passive mode for children. Methods:Thirteen children (six girls, seven boys), aged 5 to 12 years(age: 9+2years), were evaluated using a Biodex III dynamometer. Each participant was tested twice at an interval of 1 week andperformed five consecutive cycles of knee extension and flexion. The test was performed at 60°/s in the concentric passive mode. The measured variables were average peak torque,averagetotal work,average powerand average time to peak torque. Reliabilities were determined using intraclasscorrelation coefficient(ICC), the standard error of measurement (SEM and SEM%), the coefficient of variation (CV) and Bland-Altman analysis.Findings:It was found good reliability for average peak torque, total work and power, with ICC values greater than 0.86;SEM and SEM% values ranging from 1.54to 407.1and from 5.7% to 8.1%; and CV lower than 15.However, average time to peak torque was not reliable since ICC was 0.16, SEM 0.16, SEM% 35,5% and CV 35. Interpretation:The findings indicate that isokinetic evaluation in passive mode for children without disabilities was reliable for average peak torque, work and power; thereforeit should be considered in rehabilitation protocols.However, a learning process seems to influence variables related to time of contraction, such as average time to peak torque.