Muscle strength and body composition in severe obesity

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:The aim of our study was to evaluate associations between maximum voluntary contraction torques of the lower limbs and body composition for subjects with severe obesity.METHODS:Body composition was evaluated by bioelectrical impedance analysis, and maximum voluntary contraction torques of the lower limbs were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. One hundred thirty-two patients were enrolled (100 females and 32 males). Eighty-seven patients had a body mass index between 40 and 49.9 kg/m2 (the A group), and 45 patients had a body mass index between 50 and 59.9 kg/m2 (the B group).RESULTS:Absolute extension and flexion torques had weak associations with fat-free mass but a moderate association with absolute extension torque and fat-free mass of the lower limbs. There were no significant differences between the A and B groups with respect to absolute extension and flexion torques. For the A group, absolute extension and flexion torques were moderately associated with fat-free mass and with fat-free mass of the lower limbs. For the B group, there were only moderate associations between absolute extension and flexion torques with fat-free mass of the lower limbs.CONCLUSIONS:Our findings demonstrate that both groups exhibited similar absolute torque values. There were weak to moderate associations between absolute extension and flexion torques and fat-free mass but a moderate association with fat-free mass of the lower limbs. Individuals with severe obesity should strive for greater absolute torques, fat-free mass and especially fat-free mass of the lower limbs to prevent functional limitations and physical incapacity.

The effects of obesity on skeletal muscle contractile function

“…Excess body mass of obese individuals increases the demand placed on the skeletal muscles during standing and locomotion, and this can lead to a beneficial training adaptation in some muscles (Hulens et al, 2001;Lafortuna et al, 2005). However, obesity does not always lead to changes in absolute force and power (Pescatello et al, 2007;Gadducci et al, 2017). Discrepancies between studies at least partly relate to the specific muscle examined, participant physical activity levels, age, and duration and magnitude of obesity (i.e.…”

Effect of Schisandra chinensis Extract Supplementation on Quadriceps Muscle Strength and Fatigue in Adult Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

“…Skeletal muscle mass tended to increase in this study, but it was not statistically significant. A change in muscle strength is known to have a positive relationship with changes in muscle mass [40][41][42]. However, it is not a strong relationship, and individual differences may be present in adults [40,42].…”

Evaluation of Whole-Body Vibration Exercise on Neuromuscular Activation Through Electromyographic Pattern of Vastus Lateralis Muscle and on Range of Motion of Knees in Metabolic Syndrome: A Quasi-Randomized Cross-Over Controlled Trial

“…Body mass excess can promote adipose tissue stored in the abdominal cavity and intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) [4,5]. It is known that these conditions directly affect the biomechanics of movements [6][7][8], leading to decreased mobility, strength, and ability to perform common activities of daily living [6,9,10]. In obese individuals, lower extremity overuse injury is caused by multiple mechanisms, including increased load bearing with ambulation, altered gait biomechanics due to abnormal body mass distribution, a systemic pro inflammatory state [7,[11][12][13].…”

“…In obese individuals, the lower limb muscles (flexors and extensors) are frequently committed [9,10]. In consequence, decrease of muscle strength and power, and premature fatigue [6] are observed, leading to impaired motor performance [18].…”