Hostname: page-component-76fb5796d-r6qrq Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-04-25T17:11:19.715Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Strength, power, and coactivation in children with developmental coordination disorder

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 October 2001

Annette J Raynor
Affiliation:
Centre for Research in Education and Sports Science, School of Physical Education, Exercise and Sport Studies, University of South Australia, Holbrooks Road, Underdale, South Australia 5032, Australia.
Get access

Abstract

Strength, power, and coactivation levels were measured during knee extension and flexion tasks in 20 children (13 males, 7 females) with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and 20 age-matched control children (12 males, 8 females). Participants were classified according to results obtained on the McCarron Assessment of Neuromuscular Development, with each group including two age levels: 6 to 7 and 9 to 10 years. Tasks were performed on a Biodex dynamometer under isometric and isokinetic conditions with surface EMG recorded from the vastus lateralis and biceps femoris muscles. Significant effects of group and age were observed for the measures of peak torque (isometric and isokinetic) and power, with the decreased power in the group with DCD being more apparent at higher velocities. A lower flexor–extensor percentage was recorded for the group with DCD but only under isokinetic conditions. From a neuromuscular perspective, the group with DCD had increased levels of coactivation (RMS agonist:RMS antagonist) during the isometric flexion and isokinetic extension actions. Possible causes of the strength and power deficits observed in children with DCD are discussed.

Type
Original Articles
Copyright
© 2001 Mac Keith Press

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)