Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 21, 2026
Collection of Skeletal Muscle Biopsies from the Superior Compartment of Human Musculus Tibialis Anterior for Mechanical Evaluation
Published on: September 27, 2020
The association between body water compartments and muscle mechanical properties: A correlational study using
Martyna Sochor1, Marcelina Mrowiec1, Dawid Bączkowicz1
1Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Opole University of Technology, Prószkowska 76 (building P9), 45-758 Opole, Poland.
Background And Aims:
Water plays a vital role in muscle function, and its distribution between intracellular (ICW) and extracellular (ECW) compartments serves as a key indicator of muscle quality. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) quantifies body water (BW), while myotonometry measures muscle mechanical properties; however, the relationship between these measures remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the association between BW compartments and the resting mechanical properties of lower limb muscles.
Methods:
A total of 158 healthy adults (97 men, 61 women; mean age 20.8 years) participated. BW compartments, including total body water (TBW), ICW, and ECW, were measured using a multi-frequency body composition analyser (TANITA MC-780 MA). A MyotonPRO® device assessed the mechanical properties (e.g. tone, stiffness) in the tibialis anterior, peroneus longus, and gastrocnemius muscles. Spearman's rank correlation and multiple linear regression models were used to analyse the relationships between BIA and myotonometry.
Results:
The analysis revealed a consistent bipolar pattern of associations. Absolute hydration volumes (TBW, ICW, ECW expressed in kilograms) were positively correlated with muscle tone and stiffness, with correlations ranging from weak to high (r ≈ 0.30-0.70, p < 0.001). ICW was the strongest determinant. In contrast, relative ECW (expressed as a percentage) showed moderate negative correlations with tone and stiffness. This pattern was consistent across all muscles and between limbs.
Conclusions:
In healthy young adults, the resting mechanical properties of lower limb muscles are significantly associated not only with TBW but, more importantly, with its compartmental distribution. Higher ICW corresponds to greater muscle tone and stiffness, whereas a high ECW proportion is linked to lower values.
More Related Videos
13:45A Method to Study the Correlation Between Local Collagen Structure and Mechanical Properties of Atherosclerotic Plaque Fibrous Tissue
Published on: November 11, 2022
10:36An In Vitro Adult Mouse Muscle-nerve Preparation for Studying the Firing Properties of Muscle Afferents
Published on: September 24, 2014
Related Concept Videos
01:19Body Water Content and Fluid Compartments
02:20Correlations
01:27Correlation and Causation
Correlation versus Causation
If the dependent variable increases or decreases when the independent variable increases, there is a positive or negative...
01:11Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
01:21Mechanism of Breathing III: The Accessory Muscles
The respiratory system is a complex network that relies on primary respiratory muscles like the diaphragm, but also involves accessory muscles to enhance lung expansion and airflow during both inhalation and exhalation.
Enhancing Inhalation with Accessory Muscles:
Accessory muscles such as the sternocleidomastoid, scalene, intercostal, and abdominal muscles are crucial when additional respiratory effort is required, such as during deep...
01:20Compartment Models: Two-Compartment Model