Isokinetic peak torque and estimated muscle cross-sectional area in high school wrestlers

This investigation examined the covariate influences of estimated hamstrings and quadriceps cross-sectional areas (CSA) on age related increases in isokinetic peak torque for flexion and extension of the leg in 150 high school wrestlers (M age 16.6 +/- 1.0 yrs). The wrestlers were measured for strength using a Cybex II dynamometer at 30, 180, and 300 degrees . sec(-1). Body composition was determined through underwater weighing, and CSA were estimated for hamstrings and quadriceps muscle groups. There were significant (p < 0.05) zero-order correlations for age vs. leg flexion and extension peak torque at each contraction velocity. First-order partial correlations indicated there were significant relationships for age vs. leg extension peak torque covaried independently for body weight (BW), fat-free mass (FFM), and quadriceps CSA at 30, 180, and 300 degrees . sec(-1). There were no significant first-order partial correlations, however, for age vs. leg flexion peak torque covaried for BW, FFM, or hamstrings CSA. The results indicated that the age related increases in leg extension peak torque in high school wrestlers could not be accounted for by changes in quadriceps CSA.