Gender and Body Mass Index Association with Skeletal Muscle Work Output in Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Mosso’s Ergograph
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Abstract
Background: Skeletal muscle performance plays a key role in sustaining physical activity and is influenced by factors such as gender and body composition. While males typically demonstrate higher muscle strength, the impact of body mass index (BMI) on muscle function is complex, particularly in young adults. In view of increasing prevalence of obesity in our young population, it is important to study the combined effect of BMI and gender on skeletal muscle performance.
Aim: To study the effect of gender and BMI on the amount of work done by forearm skeletal muscles using Mosso’s Ergograph in firstyear medical students.
Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study included 142 first-year MBBS students aged 18–20 years. BMI was calculated using standard anthropometric techniques and categorized as per Asian cut-offs. Forearm muscle performance was assessed using Mosso’s Ergograph. A two-way ANOVA was performed to examine the main and interaction effects of gender and BMI category.
Results: Males exhibited significantly greater mean work output than females across all BMI categories (p < 0.0001). BMI category also showed a significant main effect (p = 0.0173). A significant gender × BMI interaction was observed (p < 0.0001), indicating that the impact of BMI on work performance varied by gender. Obese females showed the greatest decline in muscle performance.
Conclusion & Significance: The study highlights the differential impact of gender and BMI on skeletal muscle performance. These findings underscore the importance of considering both sex and adiposity in functional assessments, especially in young adult populations.
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