Influence of overlying soft tissue thickness on tensiomyographic parameters
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59614/acief62026276Keywords:
Tensiomyography, Overlying soft tissue thickness, Muscle mechanical properties, Rectus femoris, Biceps femorisAbstract
Introduction. Tensiomyography (TMG) is a widely used technique for assessing the contractile mechanical properties of superficial muscles. Although overlying soft tissue morphology is assumed to influence TMG outcomes, few studies have examined the effect of superficial soft tissue thickness on tensiomyographic measurements. Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of overlying soft tissue thickness (OSTT) on tensiomyographic parameters of lower-limb muscles in healthy adults. Methods. A total of 109 physically active adults of both sexes were assessed (39 women; age = 37 ± 19 years; BMI = 25.4 ± 3.8 kg/m²), of whom 45.8% were classified as overweight or obese. Tensiomyographic parameters (Dm, Tc, Td, Ts, and Tr) were recorded from the rectus femoris and biceps femoris muscles. OSTT was determined by ultrasound at the same anatomical measurement site. Associations between variables were analyzed using inferential statistics and Spearman’s correlations (p < 0.05). Results. Significant, albeit weak, correlations were observed between OSTT and Tc in both muscles (RF: ρ = 0.288, p < 0.002; BF: ρ = 0.427; p = 0.019) and between OSTT and Dm in the RF only (ρ = -0.321; p < 0.001). No significant associations were found for the remaining parameters. Conclusions. These findings suggest that overlying soft tissue thickness may act as a modulating factor of the TMG signal, selectively affecting specific variables in a muscle-dependent manner. Considering this factor may improve the interpretation of TMG results and reduce potential biases associated with superficial tissue composition.
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