title: Obesity-related differences in muscular capacity during sustained isometric exertions.
abstract: Over one-third of the world adult population is overweight or obese, and the prevalence continues to increase. Obesity is a risk factor for injury, and the growing prevalence may be associated with increases in the future incidence and cost of injuries. In this study, we examined obesity-related differences in muscular capacity during sustained isometric exertions involving hand grip, shoulder flexion, and trunk extension. Thirty-six young individuals who were obese or not obese (aged 18-29) completed these exertions at fixed levels of absolute loads involving low-moderate levels of effort. Individuals who were obese had an overall ∼20% higher absolute strength, but ∼20% lower relative strength. These differences were most evident in the hand grip and shoulder exertions. Parameters of fitted exponential relationships between endurance time and task demands (as a percentage of strength) were similar in both groups. Perceptual and performance responses were also consistent between groups. Accordingly, we conclude that obesity may not substantially influence muscular capacity for these tasks.
authors.affiliation: Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA. loracavu@buffalo.edu
authors.forename: Lora A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Cavuoto
authors.forename: Maury A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Nussbaum
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000503:physiopathology; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction; D008297:Male; D018763:Muscle Fatigue; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009765:Obesity / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010807:Physical Endurance; D005082:Physical Exertion; D012782:Shoulder / Q000503:physiopathology; D060726:Torso / Q000503:physiopathology; D055815:Young Adult