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

ObjectivesThe 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. MethodsThis study was conducted in 3 groups according to their BMI (A, low [<18.5kg/m(2)]; B, normal [18.5-25.0kg/m(2)]; and C, high [>25.0kg/m(2)]). All of the participants included had a sedentary lifestyle and did not do any weightlifting or any kind of sports activity in the previous 6months. Ultrasound measurements were performed on the participants' lower right extremities, since it was the dominant side for all of the participants. ResultsA total of 40 healthy untrained men participated in the study. The mean age of the participants SD was 22.1 +/- 1.3years; the age ranges for groups A (n=6), B (n=18), and C (n=16) were 19-23, 19-25, and 20-25years, 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. ConclusionsThe 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).