title: [Evaluation of isometric force in lower limbs and body composition in preterm infants].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Strength is a physical quality with a clear influence on quality of life. It is determined by the structure of the musculoskeletal system, and depends on the muscular structure. It has been described that prematurity conditions both qualities. The aims of this study are to determine whether prematurity is associated with strength or body composition and evaluate the relationship between prematurity, strength and muscle mass.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case-control study. Participants were premature 7-to-11 year-old children and full-term birth controls. Strength was measured by a strength gauge and body composition from DEXA (duel-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scans. A total of 89 subjects were included and divided into three groups: 30 prematures with birth-weight ≤ 1500g, 29 prematures with birth-weight 1500-2000g, and 30 controls.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Weight and BMI z-score was lower in the premature group. No differences were found in muscular mass or strength between groups. A ratio was established between strength and weight or muscular mass. It was observed that it was possible for them to move four times their weight, without finding any differences between groups or a relationship with birth-weight.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Between 7 and 11 years of age, children who were premature have lower weight and BMI than the rest of the children. However, there were no differences in body composition or strength between preterm children and controls.
authors: Unidad de Pediatría, Centro de Salud Ponferrada IV. Ponferrada, León. Electronic address: dmatzub@yahoo.es.
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Mata Zubillaga
authors: Servicio de Pediatría y Neonatología, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, León.
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Rodríguez Fernández
authors: Servicio de Pediatría y Neonatología, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, León.
authors: L M
authors: LM
authors: Rodríguez Fernández
authors: Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación Física y del Deporte, Universidad de León, León.
authors: J A
authors: JA
authors: de Paz Fernández
authors: Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación Física y del Deporte, Universidad de León, León.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Arboleda Franco
authors: Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación Física y del Deporte, Universidad de León, León.
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Alonso Patiño
mesh_terms: D001823:Body Composition; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007234:Infant, Premature; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength; D011446:Prospective Studies
keywords: Absorciometría de rayos X de energía dua; Body composition; Composición corporal; DEXA - duel-energy X-ray absorptiometry; Fuerza; Galga extensiométrica; Prematuridad; Prematurity; Strength; Strength gauge