Determinants of muscle power and force as assessed by Jumping Mechanography in rural Indian children

To: 1. Assess muscle function (MF) of rural Indian children (6-11y, n=232), using Jumping Mechanography (JM) and hand dynamometer, 2. Investigate gender differences, 3. Identify determinants of MF.Data on anthropometry, muscle mass%, diet, physical activity, sunlight exposure, MF (maximum relative power Pmax/mass, maximum relative force Fmax/BW by JM; relative grip strength (RGS) by hand dynamometer) were collected. Pearson's correlation and hierarchical linear regression was performed.Pmax/mass, Fmax/BW and RGS of the group were 31.7±5.0W/kg, 3.0±0.3 and 0.4±0.1 (mean±SD), respectively. The Pmax/mass Z-score was -1.1±0.9 and Fmax/BW Z-score was -0.9±1 (mean±SD) which was significantly lower than the machine reference data (MF was lower than in western counterparts. To optimize MF of rural Indian children, focus should be on improving muscle mass, ensuring adequate dietary protein, and increasing physical activity, especially in girls.