Body fat and its relationship to tibial nerve conduction velocity in a specific population

Male college athletes (N = 18) classified as strength athletes served as subjects to determine whether or not body fat was significantly related to tibial nerve conduction velocity (TNCV). Linear regression analysis showed that a significant relationship existed between body fat and TNCV (p < 0.05). The slope of the regression line was negative and the relationship between body fat and TNCV was an inverse one where higher percentages of body fat were associated with lower rates of TNCV. Results suggested there was greater efficiency in nerve transmission where body fat was lower, and exercise techniques to control body fat levels may have an influence on athletic performance and rehabilitation procedures. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1987;8(10):495-497.