Relationship of quadriceps femoris muscle strength and endurance with selected anthropometric indices

Abstract

Background: Muscle strength and endurance have been proven to be related with anthropometric indices. This index is believed to be among the determinant of success in exercise performance and plays an important role in matching athletes to appropriate sports. However, information on the relationship between quadriceps femoris muscle (QFM) strength and endurance with measures of anthropometry is scarce. This study evaluated the relationship between QFM strength and endurance with anthropometric indices. Methods: This descriptive observational study involved one hundred and three undergraduate students (81 males and 22 females) recruited by convenience sampling method. Body weight, height and body mass index (BMI) were measured using standardized procedures. QFM strength was measured using an adapted cable tensiometer. QFM endurance was measured in seconds using a handheld stop watch as the maximum time to maintain the maximum contraction of quadriceps femoris. Descriptive statistics was used to explore demographic data. Pearson's moment correlation coefficient was used to test the hypotheses. Alpha level was set at p <0.05. Results: The result showed that QFM strength had significant positive correlation with each of body weight and height, while there was no significant correlation with BMI. QFM endurance has significant negative correlation with each of body weight and BMI and a significant positive correlation with height. Conclusion: Sports medicine experts and team coaches should put into consideration individual's body weight, height and BMI during pre-participatory screening in placing prospective athletes to sports or sporting positions requiring repetitive use of QFM where they have a higher likelihood to excel.