Anthropometrical and strength characteristics in middle-aged obese women

The purpose of this study was to determine the possible relationships between anthropometril and isoinertial, isometric and isokinetic strength indices in middle-aged obese women. Eighteen obese (body mass index BMI>27.0 kg.m(-2)) and 15 control (BMI<27.0 kg.m(-2)) females participated in this investigation. Three series of anthropometrical measurements were taken according to O-scale physique assessment system. The ratio of waist to hip circumferences (WHR) was calculated. Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance method (Bodystat 500, UK). Strength of knee extensor was measured at isoinertial tone repetition maximum leg extension [1RM LE]), isometric (0.52 and 0.78 rad. from full extension) and isokinetic (at the contractile speeds of 1.04, 2.08, 3.14 and 4.16 rad.s(-1)) contractions. Obese women possessed significantly higher (P<0.05) values of skinfold, girth and breadth measurements. 1RM LE strength was also significantly higher in obese group, while isometric and isokinetic strength measures did not differ significantly between the groups, WHR was negatively related to ail measured strength indices in obese but not in control subjects. Lean body mass was positively related to all measured strength values also only in obese subjects. Skinfold, girth and breadth measurements were seldom related to all measured strength indices in both tested groups of women. In addition, different isoinertial, isometric and isokinetic strength measures appeared to be very context-specific in both measured groups.