manual muscle testing in children

hi, can anybody tell me about methods to assess muscle strength in children with spina bifida who are less than 5 years of age. or any outcome measure that can help in pre-post analysis of function

It is well documented that MMT are not objective! That helds true when the therapist is using his/her hands. Young people are in constant growth hence measurement can be quite off charts one day from another. The best approach may be Human movement function in consideration of the age. Futher more to the condition you are interested in you may want to consider possible adverse reaction from the internal presure that may build up affecting the core hence the spine.

thanks a lot, do you suggest the use of myometers or dynamometers, as activity analysis in the initial few days is not possible (positioning advised by the surgeons) - and the team wants some post surgical physical measure of outcome, that made me seek your help.
regards

Hmmmm well myometer measures the electric activity in which in the population you are interested may not the best solution. In the other hand requires to pefrom an isometric action same with simple MMTs and using an handheld dynamometer. Perhaps a simple pulley weight lift can be more objective and countable. Whatever approach you decide make sure that your arse is going to be on the clear due to the age and population you are interested in.
What kind of surgery we talking about and which part of the body that requires strength mesurements. I would be more concern regarding movement dexterity rather than strength that can be easily build up.
You may also need to ask the Drs or the hospital for online library codes so you can further expand your search if possible.
I will have a look and if i find anything safe will let you know ASAP