The Human Muscle Size and Strength Relationship: Effects of Architecture, Muscle Force, and Measurement Location

Purpose This study aimed to determine the best muscle size index of muscle strength by establishing if incorporating muscle architecture measurements improved the human muscle size-strength relationship. The influence of calculating muscle force and the location of anatomical cross-sectional area (ACSA) measurements on this relationship were also examined. Methods Fifty-two recreationally active men completed unilateral isometric knee extension strength assessments and magnetic resonance imaging scans of the dominant thigh and knee to determine quadriceps femoris size variables (ACSA along the length of the femur, maximum ACSA (ACSA(MAX)), and volume (VOL)) and patellar tendon moment arm. Ultrasound images (two sites per constituent muscle) were analyzed to quantify muscle architecture (fascicle length, pennation angle) and, when combined with VOL (from magnetic resonance imaging), facilitated calculation of quadriceps femoris effective PCSA ((EFF)PCSA) as potentially the best muscle size determinant of strength. Muscle force was calculated by dividing maximum voluntary torque by the moment arm and addition of antagonist torque (derived from hamstring EMG). Results The associations of (EFF)PCSA (r = 0.685), ACSA(MAX) (r = 0.697), or VOL (r = 0.773) with strength did not differ, although qualitatively VOL explained 59.8% of the variance in strength, similar to 11%-13% greater than (EFF)PCSA or ACSA(MAX). All muscle size variables had weaker associations with muscle force than maximum voluntary torque. The association of strength-ACSA at 65% of femur length (r = 0.719) was greater than for ACSA measured between 10%-55% and 75%-90% (r = -0.042-0.633) of femur length. Conclusions In conclusion, using contemporary methods to assess muscle architecture and calculate (EFF)PCSA did not enhance the muscle strength-size association. For understanding/monitoring muscle size, the major determinant of strength, these findings support the assessment of muscle volume, which is independent of architecture measurements and was most highly correlated with strength.

Automated summary

The study aimed to determine the best muscle size index for strength by examining the influence of muscle architecture measurements. However, the results showed that incorporating muscle architecture measurements did not enhance the relationship between muscle size and strength. Muscle volume, independent of architecture measurements, was found to be most highly correlated with strength, suggesting it may be the most important determinant of strength.