Quadriceps femoris echo intensity fails to reflect specific tension in middle-school boys
Document Type
Presentation
Journal/Book Title/Conference
National Strength and Conditioning Association 2017 National Conference
Publisher
National Strength and Conditioning Association
Location
Las Vegas, NV
Publication Date
7-13-2017
Abstract
The potential dissociation between muscle strength and size has led to interest in the ability to assess muscle quality across the lifespan. Objectives: We examined the association between echo intensity and specific tension in middle-school boys. Approach: Twenty-five boys participated in this study. Sixteen (mean ± SD age = 12 ± 1 years) engaged in a 16-week after-school strength and conditioning program. Nine boys (12 ± 1 years) served as controls. The program involved two 90 min sessions per week of lower-body speed, power, and resistance training. Before and after the intervention, ultrasound imaging was used to quantify vastus lateralis and rectus femoris echo intensity. Main results: Specific tension was calculated as voluntary isometric peak torque divided by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry-derived thigh lean mass (Nm kg−1). The pretest echo intensity and specific tension data were not significantly correlated (r = 0.040, p = 0.850). Training resulted in a small mean increase in specific tension (change = 1.93 Nm kg−1; d = 0.42). The echo intensity values were not affected by training or maturation (training change = −1.13 arbitrary units (A.U.); control = 0.00 A.U.). Both variables showed no interaction and no group or time main effects. The echo intensity and specific tension change scores were not correlated for all subjects (r = −0.080, p = 0.705) or groups (training r = −0.095, p = 0.727; control r = −0.004, p = 0.992). Significance: In middle-school boys, a relationship between echo intensity and the ratio of muscle strength relative to lean mass does not exist.
Recommended Citation
Stock, M.S., Mota, J.A., and Thompson, B.J. Quadriceps femoris echo intensity fails to reflect specific tension in middle-school boys. Presented at the National Strength and Conditioning Association national conference, Las Vegas, NV. July 13, 2017.
