Relationship of muscle function to auxology in preterm born children at the age of seven years.

Background/aims: To characterize the relationship between muscle function and auxology in preterm born children.

Methods: Forty-five preterm born children (birth weight < or =1,500 g with mean +/- SD: 1,069 +/- 281 g; median of gestational age: 29 weeks; 50% multiple births) were analyzed for auxological parameters (weight, height) and muscle function at the age of 7 years. Maximal isometric grip force (MIGF) and ground reaction forces of goal-directed counter-movement jumping were measured using the Preston dynamometer and the Leonardo force plate.

Postural control at 7 years of age after preterm birth with very low birth weight.

Objectives: To measure postural control in extremely preterm infants with a birth weight of less than 1,500 g in comparison to full-term infants at 7 years of age and healthy adults.

Patients And Main Outcome Measures: On a Balance Master computerized force plate, static and dynamic postural control was measured in 21 full-term 7-year-old children, 44 extremely preterm 7-year-old children, and 19 healthy adults. The test battery consisted of the modified clinical test of sensory interaction on balance, the rhythmic weight shift, the walk across, and the tandem walk tests.