Anthropometrics and electromyography as predictors for maximal voluntary isometric arm strength

Abstract

Abstract Background Muscular strength can be conceptually determined by two components: muscle activation and size. Muscle activation by the central nervous system can be measured by surface electromyography (sEMG). Muscular size reflects the amount of contractile protein within a skeletal muscle and can be estimated by anthropometric measurements. The purpose of this study was to determine the relative contributions of size parameters and muscle activation to the prediction of maximal voluntary isometric elbow flexion strength. Methods A series of anthropometric measurements were taken from 96 participants. Torque and root-mean-square (RMS) of the sEMG from the biceps brachii were averaged across three maximal voluntary isometric contractions. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed based on a Pearson's correlation matrix. Results Body weight (BW) accounted for 39.1% and 27.3% in males and females, respectively, and was the strongest predictor of strength for males. Forearm length (L3) was the strongest predictor of strength in females (partial R 2  = 0.391). Elbow circumference (ELB) accounted for a significant ( p Conclusion Anthropometrics provide a strong prediction equation for the estimation of isometric elbow flexion strength. Muscle activation, as measured by sEMG activity, accounted for a significant ( p