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Field-based Simplified Approach of Evaluating Knee Extensor Muscle Strength and Size in Male University Freshmen



Author(s)

Tomohiro Yasuda and Daisuke Ichikawa

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DOI:10.17265/2332-7839/2016.05.003

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between field-based simplified approaches and knee extensor muscle strength/size in young men. Knee extensor muscle thickness (MT) of 104 healthy university freshmen was measured at the anterior half of thigh length; maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) was measured when subjects performed knee extension. Field-based simplified approaches [sit-to-stand, standing long jump (SLJ), handgrip and upper-leg-50% (thigh) girth] were also measured. MVIC was correlated with SLJ (r = 0.361, P < 0.001), handgrip (r = 0.523, P < 0.001) and thigh girth (r = 0.401, P < 0.001), but not with the sit-to-stand test (r = 0.126, P > 0.05). MT was correlated with handgrip (r = 0.317, P < 0.001) and thigh girth (r = 0.632, P < 0.001), but not with SLJ (r = 0.038, P > 0.05) or the sit-to-stand test (r = 0.145, P > 0.05). A stepwise multiple-regression analysis was applied to the predictor thigh girth to predict knee extensor MT (R² = 0.399). To predict knee extensor MVIC, the predictor handgrip, thigh girth and SLJ were applied (R² = 0.381). In conclusion, knee extensor muscle strength/size could be evaluated by the field-based simplified approaches, in particular by the thigh girth measurement, which may be major determinant to maintain activities of daily living for healthy young men. However, the 4 field-based simplified approaches appear to be still not of high impact.

Physical fitness test, standing broad jump, chair stand, knee extension, muscle thickness.