Aim: To present gender‐specific normative data on estimates of neuromuscular performance, such as muscle strength, vertical jump and standing unilateral balance, in pre‐pubertal children.
Methods: Lean body mass (kg) and fat mass (%) were estimated by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry in 246 boys and 190 girls aged 6–12 years in Tanner stages 1 and 2. Isokinetic concentric peak torque at 60 and 180°/sec of the right knee extensors, and flexors were evaluated by a computerized dynamometer. Vertical jump height (VJH) was evaluated with an electronic mat and postural control with a one‐leg stand test and a blindfolded one‐leg stand test.
Results: Anthropometry, muscle strength and VJH in both genders showed improved performance with advancing ages (all p < 0.01 for trend) but there were no constant gender differences across the age groups (all ns.). In boys and girls, the ratio muscle strength/muscle mass showed significantly higher ratios with higher ages (both p < 0.01, respectively), but with no constant gender discrepancy. The postural control tests also showed significantly better performance with higher ages in both boys and girls (both p < 0.01).
Conclusion: This report, which provides normative gender‐specific data on muscle strength, muscle and fat mass and VJH, shows that in Swedish children aged 6–12 years, there seems to be a linear increase with age and no structural gender differences.