Sex differences in the relationship between strength, endurance and limb morphology. 1978

E D Michael, and R N Parrish

Studies were carried out to examine methods of measuring leg densities and to learn whether physical activity affects the composition of the leg. Sixty five female college students were tested to determine the center of mass of the leg and then the leg weight was determined using a single or double scale method. The center of mass was found to fall 43% of the distance distal from the trochanter. This was below the upper patella landmark used in the single scale method. It was indicated that the more dense the leg, the higher the center of mass. A second study measured the changes in leg densities and size following a five week training period. Seven males and seven females used a strength training apparatus. The results showed strength and girth changes occurred with females reducing the girth and both males and females increasing strength. The habituation to exercise may have played a part in the changes. Strength increases change much faster than size or weight. Females changed strength at a faster rate than males and subjects exercising very little had similar leg compositions when compared to heavy exercisers.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007866 Leg The inferior part of the lower extremity between the KNEE and the ANKLE. Legs
D008297 Male Males
D009929 Organ Size The measurement of an organ in volume, mass, or heaviness. Organ Volume,Organ Weight,Size, Organ,Weight, Organ
D010806 Physical Education and Training Instructional programs in the care and development of the body, often in schools. The concept does not include prescribed exercises, which is EXERCISE THERAPY. Education, Physical,Physical Education,Physical Education, Training
D010807 Physical Endurance The time span between the beginning of physical activity by an individual and the termination because of exhaustion. Endurance, Physical,Physical Stamina,Stamina, Physical
D001835 Body Weight The mass or quantity of heaviness of an individual. It is expressed by units of pounds or kilograms. Body Weights,Weight, Body,Weights, Body
D005082 Physical Exertion Expenditure of energy during PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. Intensity of exertion may be measured by rate of OXYGEN CONSUMPTION; HEAT produced, or HEART RATE. Perceived exertion, a psychological measure of exertion, is included. Physical Effort,Effort, Physical,Efforts, Physical,Exertion, Physical,Exertions, Physical,Physical Efforts,Physical Exertions
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D012737 Sex Factors Maleness or femaleness as a constituent element or influence contributing to the production of a result. It may be applicable to the cause or effect of a circumstance. It is used with human or animal concepts but should be differentiated from SEX CHARACTERISTICS, anatomical or physiological manifestations of sex, and from SEX DISTRIBUTION, the number of males and females in given circumstances. Factor, Sex,Factors, Sex,Sex Factor

Related Publications

E D Michael, and R N Parrish
March 1970, Research quarterly,
E D Michael, and R N Parrish
August 2021, International journal of environmental research and public health,
E D Michael, and R N Parrish
December 1980, Research quarterly for exercise and sport,
E D Michael, and R N Parrish
January 2005, European journal of applied physiology,
E D Michael, and R N Parrish
January 1975, American corrective therapy journal,
Copied contents to your clipboard!