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- Issue 104
- Large-scale study of the hip, knee,…
Large-scale study of the hip, knee, and ankle reveals sex and angle-dependent muscle volume and torque scaling relationships
Key Points
- Muscle-group volume is a significant predictor of hip, knee and ankle peak isometric torque.
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE
Previous research has demonstrated a strong correlation between muscle volume and joint torque production capabilities. Due to the previously time-consuming method of calculating muscle volumes the studies that have explored this area have predominantly been done with small and male-only cohorts (1).
This has meant that there is a lack of transferability and power to the data obtained historically. There is a necessity to further understand the correlation between muscle volumes and torque production capabilities at a range of different muscle groups and angles if further analysis and modelling of human movement is to be completed.
This study looked to address the current gap within the literature by completing a large-scale analysis of both male and female subjects in order to provide a comprehensive dataset to improve future modelling accuracy. The study undertook MRI analysis of all subjects before then performing Biodex analysis of torque production at a range of lower limb joints.
This study emphasises the need for programming which targets muscle hypertrophy within healthy and injured cohorts in order to achieve desirable increase torque-production capabilities.
METHODS
- The study recruited 103 participants (55 female & 48 male) through convenience sampling which was achieved utilizing physical flyers and social media targeting.