Muscle architecture of the vastus lateralis and rectus femoris in the production of knee extensor torque in physically inactive women

Abstract Aim: This study aimed to verify the data reliability of muscle architecture (MA) variables, and the relationship between MA and the isometric peak torque (PT) of the monoarticular and biarticular knee extensor (KE) muscle in physically inactive women. Methods: Ten physically inactive women (24.0 ± 1.64 years; 162.9 ± 5.34 cm; 63.5 ± 11.90 kg) participated in the study. An ultrasound device assessed the MA variables (muscle thickness, fascicle length, and pennation angle) of the Vastus Lateralis (VL) and Rectus Femoris (RF), and an isokinetic dynamometer assessed the PT. Pearson correlation evaluated the relationship between PT and MA variables, with a significance level of 5%. Additionally, the intraclass correlation coefficient, coefficient of variation, and standard error of measurement. Results: Excellent reliability between images was observed, and no significant relationships were observed between the PT and MA variables of the VL and RF. Conclusion: Isolated variables of the MA of a monoarticular or a biarticular muscle do not influence the production of the isometric PT of the KE.

Body image in women participants of strength training: association with sociodemographic factors and practice time / Imagem corporal em mulheres praticantes de treinamento de força: associação com fatores sociodemográficos e tempo de prática

In Brazil, the evidence indicates a high prevalence of dissatisfaction with body image (BI) among adult women. Studies show that gym goers have characteristics that differ from other populations. Specif-ically, women who practice strength training (ST) exhibit intense concern about well-being, which presents as strong self-criticism of the body. This group of women are typically in search for an ideal body pattern stipulated by society. The purpose of the present study was to identify in the women the perception with BI, classify then as satisfied or dissatisfied, and association this information whit age group, anthropometric indicators (body mass index and perimeter of waist), and variables related to the practice of ST (purpose and time of the practice). The sample group consisted of 77 women aged 20 to 54 years (29.83 ± 9.75) who practiced ST. For the assessment of BI, the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) was used in addition to a questionnaire around the other variables. A descriptive analysis was used, chi-squared test and Fisher's Exact test were adopted at a significance level of 5%. The results demonstrated that among all participants, 87.0% were satisfaction with BI. It was found association direct with the dissatisfaction of BI with the purpose of the practice of ST (p = 0.031) and with the practice time (p = 0.030). Were found, in which the women less satisfied with their BI were those who trained for body mass control and practiced ST for more than 6 months. The other variables did not show significant associations with BI. It is concluded that the women who practice ST have shown a positive perception regarding their body image, associated to the objective and the time of the practice

No Brasil, evidências indicam uma elevada prevalência de insatisfação com a imagem corporal (IC) entre as mulheres adultas. Estudos mostram que frequentadores de academias têm características que o diferem de ou-tras populações. As mulheres praticantes de treinamento de força (TF) demonstram preocupação intensa com o bem-estar e forte autocrítica em relação ao corpo. Essas mulheres tendem a buscar o padrão ideal estipulado pela sociedade. O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar em mulheres praticantes de TF a percepção da IC, classificá-lo como satisfeita ou insatisfeita, e associar com a idade, indicadores antropométricos (índice de massar corporal e circunferência da cintura) e variáveis relacionadas ao TF (objetivos da prática e tempo de prática). Participaram do estudo 77 mulheres de 20 a 54 anos (29,83 ± 9,75). Para a avaliação da IC uti-lizou-se o Body Shape Questionaire (BSQ) e um questionário para as demais variáveis. Utilizou-se análise descritiva, o teste Qui-quadrado e Exato de Fisher. Os resultados demonstraram que dentre as participantes, 87,0% estavam satisfeitas com a IC. Foram encontradas associações diretas da insatisfação da IC com o ob-jetivo (p = 0,031) e com o tempo da prática (p = 0,030). As mulheres menos satisfeitas com a sua IC eram as que treinavam com o objetivo de controle da massa corporal e praticavam TF há mais de 6 meses. As demais variáveis não demonstraram associações significativas com a IC. Conclui-se que as mulheres praticantes do TF demonstraram ter uma percepção positiva com relação a sua imagem corporal, associada ao objetivo e ao tempo da prática