The relation of Body Mass Index to Mechanical Properties in Normal and Overweight Individuals

Abstract Background: The study was to determine the relation of body mass index to muscular mechanical properties in normal and overweight individuals Methods: A total of 172 participants (86 males and 86 females, mean age; 26.00±5.45 years) were participated. The participants were assigned in groups base on BMI classification (normal (BMI=18.50-24.99 kg/m2), overweight (BMI=25.00-29.99 kg/m2). The biceps brachii (BB), biceps femoris (BF) were measured bilaterally using the "MyotonPRO" device. Results: Bilateral BB and BF stiffness, and BB elasticity were found significantly difference between normal and overweight group (p<0.05). Also the only left BB tone was found different (p0.05). In sex based BMI sub-categories comprasion; the bilaterally BB and BF stiffness and BF tone were found higher, and only the right BB elasticity was decreased in overweight male group (p<0.05). While the other mechanical parameters were found similar (p<0.05). The right BB stiffness and elasticity were found higher in overweight female group (p0.05).A weak positive correlation was found between the right-left BB tone and stiffness and BMI. Also, a weak positive correlation was revealed between the right BB elasticity (p0.05).Conclusions: The bilateral BB and BF stiffness increased and BB elasticity decreased as BMI increased. The BB and BF mechanical properties were affected more in males than females when BMI considered.