Muscle Strength Impairment (Pediatric Inpatient)

Signs/Symptoms/Presentation

• active movement limitation
• balance limitation
• gait impairment
• limitations in daily activity performance
• low muscle tone
• mobility impairment
• muscle atrophy
• unmet motor-related developmental milestones

Problem Intervention

Optimize Muscle Strength

• Assess muscle strength using a standardized procedure (e.g., manual muscle testing, dynamometry) or functional screen to determine individual limitations or risk for impairment.
• Consider any contraindications or precautions to individualize treatment plan, such as fracture, recent nerve or tendon repair and poor nutrition status; address contraindications and refer for further evaluation, if needed.
• Consider factors that will influence reliability, such as time of day and the child’s interest and enthusiasm for testing, as well as rapport with tester.
• Assess for changes or abnormalities in muscles or movement patterns, such as atrophy, abnormal reflexes, muscle tone impairment, substitution patterns or weakness in myotome patterns.
• Design and implement interventions to address strength impairments with type, time, frequency, intensity and resistance that are individualized to the child, such as play or therapeutic activity and exercise.
• Ensure proper body alignment and exercise technique. Modify as needed, such as seated exercise or reducing range of motion.
• Monitor and address signs and symptoms of intolerance, such as unexpected pain or shortness of breath.
• Utilize appropriate modalities, devices or techniques to facilitate muscle strength (e.g., biofeedback, electrical stimulation, virtual reality games).
• Encourage early mobilization and performance of play and self-care activities, as able, while providing level of assistance needed for safety.
• Recommend and train in use of adaptive or assistive devices or environmental modification to compensate for strength impairment, while facilitating independence and safety (e.g., adapted tricycle, bathroom grab bars, lightweight eating utensils).
• Provide and optimize nutrition therapy to prevent muscle wasting and enhance muscle strength; identify if at risk for malnutrition.

Associated Documentation

• Activity Assistance Provided
• Activity Management
• Adaptive Equipment Use
• Self-Care Promotion

Overview

Self-Management

When to Seek Medical Attention

General Education

• admission, transition of care

• orientation to care setting, routine

• advance care planning

• diagnostic tests/procedures

• diet modification

• opioid medication management

• oral health

• medication management

• pain assessment process

• safe medication disposal

• tobacco use, smoke exposure

• treatment plan

Safety Education

• call light use

• equipment/home supplies

• fall prevention

• harm prevention

• infection prevention

• MDRO (multidrug-resistant organism) care

• personal health information

• resources for support

Special Needs

• Avoid eccentric muscle contraction in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy; immobilization may be harmful as well.
• Incorporate challenge and fun into strengthening programs, whenever possible, to maintain interest and motivation.