Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 15, 2026

Characterizing Multiscale Mechanical Properties of Brain Tissue Using Atomic Force Microscopy, Impact Indentation, and Rheometry
Published on: September 6, 2016
Relationship between power-duration parameters and mechanical and anthropometric properties of the thigh in elite
Mehdi Kordi1,2, Campbell Menzies3, Len Parker Simpson4,5
1English Institute of Sport, MIHP, 299 Alan Turing Way, Manchester, M11 3BS, UK. mehdikordi@hotmail.co.uk.
Purpose:
The curvature constant (W') and asymptote (critical power; CP) of the power-duration relationship are important parameters for explaining cycling performance. Short-duration endurance cycling events rely more heavily on the W'; however, the full mechanistic underpinning of this parameter is yet to be determined. Evidence suggests both muscle volume and muscle strength may contribute to the magnitude of W'. Therefore, the present study investigated the relationship between power-duration parameters (CP and W') and (1) anthropometric and (2) mechanical properties of thigh muscles in a sample of elite cyclists.
Methods:
Eleven elite male cyclists had gross thigh volume (TVOL), quadriceps muscle volume (QVOL), vastus lateralis (VL) muscle pennation angle (PA) and VL muscle thickness (MT) measured. Additionally, maximum torque production of the knee extensors (FMAX) was assessed. The relationship between these anthropometric and mechanical measures and both the CP and W' were determined.
Results:
W' showed a very strong positive and significant relationship with FMAX (r = 0.87, p < 0.001) and a large positive and significant relationship with TVOL (r = 0.60, p = 0.05). No other anthropometric characteristics were related to the W'. The CP was not associated with any mechanical or anthropometric parameter.
Conclusion:
In addition to muscle size, the maximal evocable force of a muscle (group) appears to be linked to the magnitude of the W' in elite cyclists.
More Related Videos
07:26Characterizing the Relationship Between Eye Movement Parameters and Cognitive Functions in Non-demented Parkinson's Disease Patients with Eye Tracking
Published on: September 26, 2019
06:59In Vivo Evaluation of the Mechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of the Rat Tongue
Published on: July 6, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Relationship: Duration of Dose-Effect Relationship
Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Relationship: Influence of Elimination Half-Life on Effect Duration
Muscles that Move the Thigh
Three other significant muscles are the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. The gluteus maximus originates from the posterior surface of the ilium, sacrum, and coccyx, and the thoracolumbar...
Relationship Formation
Ending Relationships
Power