Body Mass Index and Segmental Mass Correlation With Elastographic Strain Ratios of the Quadriceps Tendon.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to establish a relationship between quadriceps tendon stiffness and its properties and variations in the body mass index (BMI) and segmental mass. This study was conducted in 3 groups according to their BMI (A, low [<18.5 kg/m2 ]; B, normal [18.5-25.0 kg/m2 ]; and C, high [>25.0 kg/m2 ]). All of the participants included had a sedentary lifestyle and did not do any weightlifting or any kind of sports activity in the previous 6 months. Ultrasound measurements were performed on the participants' lower right extremities, since it was the dominant side for all of the participants. A total of 40 healthy untrained men participated in the study. The mean age of the participants ± SD was 22.1 ± 1.3 years; the age ranges for groups A (n = 6), B (n = 18), and C (n = 16) were 19-23, 19-25, and 20-25 years, respectively; 28 of the participants were nonsmokers, and 12 of were smokers. A strong statistical difference (all P < .05) was witnessed for most of the parameters (BMI, body fat mass, dominant leg body fat content, fat-free mass index, tendon thickness, and strain ratio) among the groups. The length of the tendon did not show a significant increase with an increase in the BMI, body fat mass, dominant leg body fat content, and fat-free mass index. However, a greater intensification was observed for the thickness of the tendon with a significant increase in tendon stiffness (with the use of external reference material).