Hand-Held Dynamometry Isometric Torque Reference Values for Children and Adolescents.

Purpose: To establish hand-held dynamometry (HHD) maximal isometric muscle torque (MIT) reference values for children and adolescents who are developing typically.

Methods: The MIT of 10 upper and lower limb muscle groups was assessed in 351 Caucasian youth (4 years 2 months to 17 years) using a standardized HHD protocol, previously shown to be feasible, valid, and reliable.

Results: The mean MIT and 95% confidence interval of the mean for all muscle groups, for each of the 14 age groups (1 year age span for each group), and for each sex, were reported in both absolute (Nm) and normalized (Nm/kg) values.

Social participation of children age 8-12 with SLI.

Purpose: Two objectives are being pursued: (1) to describe the level of social participation of children aged 8-12 presenting a specific language impairment (SLI) and (2) to identify personal and family factors associated with their level of social participation.

Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 29 children with SLI and one of their parents. Parental stress and family adversity were measured as risk factors.

Social participation by children with developmental coordination disorder compared to their peers.

Purpose: Two objectives are being pursued: (1) to describe and compare the level of social participation of children aged 5-13 with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) to children of the same age with typical development (TD) and (2) to describe and compare the level of social participation of two subgroups of youths with DCD, e.g. children with dyspraxia affecting both the motor sphere and the verbal sphere (mixed dyspraxia) and children with developmental dyspraxia.

Relationships between lower limb muscle strength and locomotor capacity in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy who walk independently.

This study aimed to quantify relationships between lower limb muscle strength and locomotor capacity for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) to identify key muscle groups for strength training. Fifty 6- to 16-year-olds with CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System level I or II) participated. Isometric muscle strength of hip flexor and abductor, knee flexor and extensor, and ankle dorsiflexor muscles was measured using hand-held dynamometry.

Isometric muscle strength in youth assessed by hand-held dynamometry: a feasibility, reliability, and validity study.

Purpose: To determine, with respect to measurement of maximal isometric torque (MIT) using a specific hand-held dynamometer (HHD) protocol, (1) protocol feasibility over a wide age range, (2) intra- and interrater reliability, (3) standard error of measurement, and (4) concurrent validity.

Methods: The MIT of selected upper and lower limb muscle groups was assessed (n = 74; age = 4-17.5 years) using a standardized, HHD protocol.

Revisiting therapy assumptions in children's rehabilitation: clinical and research implications.

Purpose: This commentary draws on a recent workshop hosted by the Canadian Children's Rehabilitation Research Network that brought together stakeholders to critically examine assumptions embedded in children's rehabilitation in order to advance current debates and suggest areas for further inquiry.

Method: Six issues are discussed: (1) the wisdom of dichotomising 'fix' versus 'function'; (2) the ethics of it might help and it won't hurt' therapy approaches; (3) the emphasis on early intervention rather than a lifespan approach; (4) the challenges of providing care for new rehabilitation populations; (5) discrepancies between performance outcomes and patient satisfaction; and (6) innovative partnerships to support care transitions of adolescents and their families.

Results: Issues identified include: finding the right balance between therapies that focus on 'fixing' children versus enhancing function, judicious design of therapy programs as to not overburden children and families, adopting lifespan approaches to meet the needs of multiple 'paediatric' populations, cautious interpretation of measures and approaches that link well-being with physical performance, and the benefits of including parent and youth facilitators on children's rehabilitation teams.

Measuring participation in children with disabilities using the Assessment of Life Habits.

The objectives of this study were: (1) to examine the psychometric properties of the Assessment of Life Habits (LIFE-H) for children; and (2) to draw a profile of the level of participation among children of 5 to 13 years of age with various impairments. The research team adapted the adult version of the LIFE-H in order to render it more appropriate for the daily life experiences of children. Content validity was verified by an expert panel of 29 people, made up of parents, paediatric clinicians, and researchers.

Factors in creating sustainable intersectoral community mobilization for prevention of heart and lung disease.

This paper describes factors facilitating and working against successful community mobilization in the implementation of an integrated prevention programme for cardiovascular disease and lung cancer in four community settings in Québec, Canada. Implementation evaluation data from several sources showed that over the 3-year period, mobilization was partly achieved in all four communities, although the degree of success varied. The data support those of previous studies showing that several factors are key to effective intersectoral community mobilization: (i) involvement of concerned and influential community members with a commitment to shared goals and a visible community focus; (ii) formation of multi-organization systems among appropriate organizations, recognizing their strengths, resources and competencies, and preserving both their autonomy and interdependence with an appreciation of divergent perspectives; (iii) development of decision-making mechanisms through the setting up of formal structural arrangements to facilitate decisions with clear leadership; (iv) clear definition of objectives, tasks, roles and responsibilities; and (v) official support and legitimization from participating agencies, government authorities, and organizations with adequate resources devoted to partnership building.