Examining the developing skeletal muscle: Why, what and how?

Abstract

This review focuses on methodological concepts in the evaluation of skeletal muscle function, taking into account classical muscle physiology, the developing motor system in children and anthropometric parameters. Thereby, the classical concept of kinetic and thermodynamic description of muscle function is discussed in relation to data pertaining to human physiology. Emphasis is given to the specific problems that arise when assessing muscle function during development. Two important factors influencing muscle function are discussed in detail: changes in anthropometric characteristics and changes in co-ordinative skills in the developing individual. Finally, we discuss currently available methods for the evaluation of anaerobic muscle function in children and adolescents (maximal isometric grip force, peak jump force, peak jump power, Wingate test, Bosco test).