Cross-sectional comparison of age-related changes in the quadriceps femoris in Japanese basketball players

Abstract

Background This study examines age-related changes in the quadriceps femoris (QF), subdivided into the vastus medialis oblique (VMO), vastus medialis (VM), rectus femoris (RF), vastus intermedius (VI) and vastus lateralis (VL) in basketball players. Subjects Seventy male basketball players were divided into four groups according to age (12-13, 14-15, 16-17, and 18-20 years). Methods Ultrasonography was used to measure muscle architecture of the VMO, VM, RF, VI and VL. We created cubic approximate expressions and calculated inflexion points to evaluate peak growth age of each muscle head. Results Significant interactions were observed for all QF parts (p < 0.01-0.001). Muscle thickness (MT) in all QF parts was significantly lower in 12-13-year olds than in 18-20-year olds (p < 0.01-0.001). Significant differences were recognised between 12-13 and 16-17-year olds in VM (p < 0.001), RF (p < 0.001) and VL (p = 0.007). MT was significantly lower in 14-15-year olds than in 16-17-year olds in the VM (p = 0.007) and RF (p = 0.026) and in 18-20 year olds in the VM (p < 0.001), RF (p = 0.036) and VI (p < 0.001). Peak growth age was estimated for each QF part (VMO, 155.0 months; VM, 187.8 months; RF, 212.2 months, VI, 188.9 months; VL, 181.1 months). Conclusion QF parts have different growth rates due to differing functions in each muscle head.

Muscle and adjacent subcutaneous fat thicknesses of the gastrocnemius medialis and rectus femoris and the relationship with countermovement jump and v-cut test performance in young elite basketball players

“…Although the lack of a signi cant interaction for RF-MT prevented us from identifying speci c between agecategory differences, our results agree with those by Sekine et al 19 , who examined age-related changes in the quadriceps femoris in 70 male basketball players using US. These authors reported that the RF-MT was larger in 16-17-year-olds than those aged 12-13 or 14-15 years, and stated that marked RF growth is expected starting at age 16 years.…”

“…[16][17][18] Speci cally, muscle strength and power generated by muscles in the lower extremities (e.g., the gastrocnemius medialis [GM] and rectus femoris [RF]) are essential in elite basketball performance, regardless of age or gender. 19 Similarly, body fat (i.e., subcutaneous fat thickness [SFT]) has been shown to be speci cally related with performance in basketball. 20 Therefore, accurate means of assessing these physiological indicators are also required for this sport.…”

Physiological Variables that Contribute to Aerobic Fitness in Boys During Early Adolescence in the Context of Basketball Training and the Maturity Level

“…Many activities in basketball are considered anaerobic because they are performed at maximal or submaximal intensities. Conversely, activities like sprinting and jumping are interspersed with periods of slow running, walking, or resting during the game-stops, which suggests that the game is similar to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) ( Sekine et al, 2019 ). HIIT is a very effective and time-efficient way to improve AF levels in adults ( Gist et al, 2014 ).…”

Ultrasound Measurements and Physical Fitness of Elite Youth Basketball Players

“…[16][17][18] Specifically, muscle strength and power generated by muscles in the lower extremities (e.g., the gastrocnemius medialis [GM] and rectus femoris [RF]) are essential in elite basketball performance, regardless of age or gender. [19] Similarly, body fat (i.e., subcutaneous fat thickness [SFT]) has been shown to be specifically 2…”

“…Muscle architecture largely determines muscle strength and power production, which are both necessary components in optimal athletic performance [16][17][18]. Specifically, muscle strength and power generated by muscles in the lower extremities (e. g., the gastrocnemius medialis [GM] and rectus femoris [RF]) are essential in elite basketball performance, regardless of age or gender [19]. Similarly, body fat (i. e., subcutaneous fat thickness [SFT]) has been shown to be specifically related with performance in basketball [20]; García-Gil et al found positive correlations between the sum of 8 skinfolds (biceps, triceps, subscapularis, abdominal, suprailiac, iliocostal, thigh, and lower leg) and the time in the 20-m sprint test (r = .333) and time in a dribbling test (r = .323), and negative correlations between the sum of skinfolds and height in a CMJ-S test (r = − .318).…”