Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
To cite this article: Jelena Popadic Gacesa , Natasa R. Dragnic , Natasa M. Prvulovic , Otto F. Barak & Nikola Grujic (2011)
The validity of estimating triceps brachii volume from single MRI cross-sectional area before and after resistance training,
Journal of Sports Sciences, 29:6, 635-641, DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2010.549498
Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the “Content”) contained
in the publications on our platform. However, Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensors make no
representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the
Content. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are the opinions and views of the authors, and
are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis. The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and
should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for
any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever
or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of
the Content.
This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic
reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any
form to anyone is expressly forbidden. Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at http://
www.tandfonline.com/page/terms-and-conditions
Journal of Sports Sciences, March 15th 2011; 29(6): 635–641
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine whether triceps brachii muscle volume can be adequately estimated from a single
anatomical cross-sectional area (ACSA) and can the same model be used for prediction after training. Thirty-five healthy
male non-athletes (age 21.6 + 2.5 years, body mass index 24.8 + 3.5 kg m72) volunteered for this study. The volumes of
the upper arm extensors were calculated from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequence scans and regression models
were developed, which were used to predict muscle volumes from single MRI cross-sectional scans taken at different points
along the humerus length. The same procedure was repeated after 12 weeks of maximal resistance training of the elbow
extensors. Correlation coefficients were calculated for Model A with CSAmax, humerus length (HL), and body mass index
(r ¼ 0.919), a model with CSA50% and HL (r ¼ 0.922), and a model with CSA60% and HL (r ¼ 0.920) (P 5 0.001). The
standard error of estimate for Model A, Model CSA50%, and Model CSA60% was 8.0%, 7.7%, and 7.8% respectively.
The same prediction formula can be used for the left arm (r ¼ 0.904). If a single ACSA is used for triceps brachii volume
prediction, the best fit is with Model CSA60% and HL, both before and after training (r ¼ 0.941). By introducing humerus
length into the calculation, we simplify the procedure for volume measurement, since it can be obtained during MRI
scanning.
Keywords: Anatomical cross-sectional area, triceps brachii, muscle volume, magnetic resonance imaging
Correspondence: J. Popadic Gacesa, Department of Physiology, Medical School, University of Novi Sad, 3 Hajduk-Veljko St., 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia.
E-mail: jpopadic@uns.ac.rs
ISSN 0264-0414 print/ISSN 1466-447X online Ó 2011 Taylor & Francis
DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2010.549498
636 J. Popadic Gacesa et al.
where the shape of the individual muscles may vary, and the investigation was performed according to
or if the muscle is changing in size throughout time, the principles outlined in the Declaration of
so that tapering of the muscle causes the ACSA to Helsinki.
over- or underestimate muscle volume.
The reliable measurement of human muscle size is
Experimental study design
essential in determining to what extent changes in
muscle volume contribute to changes in muscle The volumes of the upper arm extensors and flexors
function during training, ageing, growth or disease. were calculated from MRI sequence scans and
Since most investigators use single cross-sectional regression models were developed to predict muscle
area (CSA) of a muscle to predict its changes in size/ volumes from single MRI cross-sectional scans taken
volume during training programmes (Abe et al., at different points along the humerus length. The
2000; Bamman, Newcomer, Larson-Meyer, Wein- same procedure was repeated after the resistance
sier, & Hunter, 2000; Hakkinen et al., 2003; training of the elbow extensors.
Kraemer et al., 2004; West et al., 2010; Widrick,
Downloaded by [Queensland University of Technology] at 20:33 06 November 2014
Table I. Elbow extensors muscle volume and some CSA values for both arms before and after the training protocol.
Measured volume (cm3) CSAmax (cm2) CSA30% (cm2) CSA50% (cm2) CS60% (cm2)
Left Before 462.4 + 98.8 29.1 + 5.6 16.7 + 6.1 27.9 + 6.1 25.4 + 5.9
Left After 511.3 + 77.0 30.6 + 4.6 13.9 + 4.1 29.0 + 4.3 29.5 + 5.0
Right Before 474.7 + 91.9 29.8 + 5.4 16.1 + 5.0 28.5 + 5.6 25.9 + 6.2
Right After 525.3 + 73.7 31.1 + 4.5 14.9 + 3.2 30.2 + 4.7 29.2 + 5.0
638 J. Popadic Gacesa et al.
non-dependent variables, as shown in the following correlation between triceps brachii muscle volume
prediction equation: and the predicted value based on the regression
models before and after training. The correlation
V ¼ a þ b HL þ c BMI þ d CSAx coefficients (r) before and after the training were:
where x ¼ 50%, 60% or max (x ¼ max for Model A; Model A, r ¼ 0.919 before and 0.941 after; Model
c ¼ 0 for Models CSA50%, CSA60%, and CSAmax). CSAmax, r ¼ 0.903 before and 0.911 after; Model
Unstandardized regression coefficients for all CSA50%, r ¼ 0.922 before and 0.882 after; and
models and their significance (P) are presented in Model CSA60%, r ¼ 0.920 before and 0.896 after
Table III. All independent variables in the models (P 5 0.001). This indicates that the pre-training
contributed significantly to the prediction of muscle prediction formula is adequate for the prediction
volume (P 5 0.05). The coefficient of determination of volume after muscle morphological adaptation
(adjusted R2) was in the range 0.80–0.84, and all following the training protocol. Prediction based on
models were statistically significant (F-statistics the model with slice CSA30% was not confirmed,
P 5 0.001), as presented in Table III. because only 20.5% of the variance in the triceps
Downloaded by [Queensland University of Technology] at 20:33 06 November 2014
All models were tested before and after the brachii volume was explained with this model.
training protocol. There was a highly significant We also tested the same pre-training formula on
the prediction of left arm triceps brachii volume,
and found a strong correlation for pre- (r ¼ 0.904,
P 5 0.001) and post-training values (r ¼ 0.875,
P 5 0.001).
The standard error of estimate for Model A was
37.9 cm3 (RSE ¼ 8.0%), Model CSA60% 37.2 cm3
(RSE ¼ 7.8%), Model CSAmax 40.6 cm3 (RSE ¼
8.55%), and Model CSA50% 36.5 cm3 (RSE ¼
7.7%). The standard error of estimate for prediction
based on a single CSA not including BMI or HL was
44.9 cm3 (RSE ¼ 9.4%), 40.1 cm3 (RSE ¼ 8.4%),
and 39.5 cm3 (RSE ¼ 8.3%) for CSAmax, CSA60%,
and CSA50% respectively.
When we calculated volume change based on the
prediction models and compared it with multi-slice
volume changes, the best prediction results were
Figure 1. Anatomical cross-sectional area (ACSA) of the triceps obtained with Model CSA60%. Mean volume change
brachii muscles measured along the length of the humerus. Values
on the x-axis denote the scan number from the head of the
from before to after training based on multi-slice
humerus to the medial epicondyle. Each dot represents the calculation was þ37.9 cm3 (7.8%, s ¼ 3.95%, SEE
mean + s of all participants. All values are presented in cm2. 0.9%), while that with the Model CSA60% formula
Table II. Correlations (r) between extensors muscle volume and some CSA values for both arms before and after the training protocol.
Measured volume CSAmax (cm2) CSA30% (cm2) CSA50% (cm2) CS60% (cm2)
Table III. Values of unstandardized coefficients a, b, c, d, significance (P) of the coefficients, adjusted R2, and F-statistics are presented for
different regression models.
Model a b c d adjusted R2 F
A 7435.536 (0.007) 10.323 (0.023) 4.638 (0.021) 14.661 (0.000) 0.830** 58.087**
CSAmax 7420.164 (0.013) 12.963 (0.007) 0 14.929 (0.000) 0.805** 73.250**
CSA50% 314.523 (0.035) 10.502 (0.014) 0 14.889 (0.000) 0.842** 94.203**
CSA60% 7236.97 (0.110) 10.533 (0.015) 0 13.367 (0.000) 0.836** 90.321**
**P 5 0.001.
Prediction of triceps brachii volume from single CSA 639
was þ34.5 cm3 (7.0%). Using the Model A formula and time-consuming. Most investigators use single
gave a value of þ28.6 cm3 (6.3%). Volume change anatomical CSA to predict muscle volume and its
after training predicted with the Model CSA50% change over time (Abe et al., 2000; Bamman et al.,
formula was þ14.0 cm3 (3.3%), while that with the 2000; Hakkinen et al., 2003; Kraemer et al., 2004;
Model CSAmax formula was þ29.2 cm3 (6.4%). Losnegard et al., 2010; O’Hagan, Sale, MacDougall,
Prediction of triceps muscle volume before and after & Garner, 1995; West et al., 2010; Widrick et al.,
the training is presented in Figure 2. 2002). There is no consensus regarding the position
of a slice used for a single muscle volume prediction
based on a CSA measure, and therefore there is no
Discussion
unique protocol for individual muscles.
In the present study, we tried to develop a new Here, we have provided a detailed MRI sequen-
equation for prediction of triceps brachii volume cing for both upper arms in young non-athletes and
based on a single CSA value. Muscle volume values compared values of measured and calculated triceps
are one of the most important measures when brachii volume with predicted values, using several
Downloaded by [Queensland University of Technology] at 20:33 06 November 2014
investigating muscle change after a programme of prediction equations and testing their precision and
physical activity, or during disease or with ageing. validity. Four single anatomical CSA values have
This parameter can provide valuable information on been used for predictions – at 30%, 50%, and 60% of
the efficiency of an intervention. Measuring muscle humerus length, and a maximal CSA. Our aim was
volume with imaging techniques is both expensive to establish the best prediction equation and we have
discovered that this equation includes not only the
CSA values, but that it also depends on the humerus
length and BMI. These findings are very interesting,
since no correlation between muscle volume and
body weight or height alone has been reported. Most
investigators emphasize the problem of standardizing
prediction formulae since there are inter-individual
variations in any population, and few of them
reported prediction models. A regression model
based on five MRI scans has been used to estimate
total thigh muscle volume (Tothill & Stewart, 2002).
Morse and colleagues obtained a regression model
for the cross-sectional area of each of the four
muscles of the quadriceps, as a function of muscle
length, based on data from 18 individuals (Morse,
Degens, & Jones, 2007).
Together with humerus length, our regression
model introduces one more antropometric measure –
BMI, as a measure of body size. In this way, we added
a new predictor in muscle volume calculations.
We also tried to obtain information on the
possibility of using a single anatomical CSA, instead
of three or four. We tested a few prediction models
and discovered the best fit is when CSA50% or
CSA60% is introduced into the equation. Other
investigators have reported different protocols. Some
of them used CSAmax for the prediction (Bamman
et al., 2000; Roman et al., 1993; West et al., 2010),
others the average of all ACSA in a sequence
(Losnegard et al., 2010), or some percentage
measured throughout the muscle or bone length to
calculate muscle volumes (Chilibeck et al., 1998;
Kraemer et al., 2004). Since different muscle groups
Figure 2. Correlation based on prediction of elbow extensors were investigated, and different measurement pro-
muscle volume models: (a) triceps brachii volume before training – cedures applied, literature does not provide consis-
right arm: measured and estimated volume using pre-training
formula; (b) triceps brachii volume after training– right arm:
tent findings.
measured and estimated volume using pre-training formula. All Skeletal muscle adaptation to physical activity in-
values are presented in cm3. cludes a morphological aspect of this phenomenon –
640 J. Popadic Gacesa et al.
hypertrophy (Hakkinen et al., 2003; Losnegard et al., There is limited, and somewhat contradictory,
2010; Popadic Gacesa et al., 2009; West et al., information about changes in muscle shape with
2010). For upper arm muscle volume and CSA resistance training. For instance, in the case of the
change with training, limited data are available. Abe vastus lateralis, one study reports that the greatest
et al. (2000) found an increase in triceps brachii relative increase occurs at the distal end (Housh,
thickness of 7–9% after 12 weeks of resistance Housh, Johnson & Chu, 1992), and at either end of
training, three times a week, with six dynamic the muscle in other reports (Narici, Roi, Landoni,
exercises with 8–12 1-RM in untrained men. Minetti, & Cerretelli, 1989; Narici et al., 1996). For
O’Hagan et al. (1995) showed that 20 weeks of the biceps brachii, the absolute change with training
resistance training led to an 8.3% increase in biceps shows only minimal variability along the length
brachii CSAmax. West et al. (2010) reported an (Roman et al., 1993; West et al., 2010). By
increase in the biceps brachii CSA after 15 weeks of calculating each anatomical CSA relative increase
resistance training of 10–12%. Losengard et al. as a result of training and comparing it with the
(2010) reported a 5.5% increase in average ACSA muscle volume relative increase, we can provide
Downloaded by [Queensland University of Technology] at 20:33 06 November 2014
(mean of nine ACSA in a upper arm sequence) of the some information about muscle shape changes with
triceps brachii after 12 weeks of strength training. hypertrophy. Our results indicate that triceps brachii
Roman et al. (1993) evaluated the effects of elbow muscle change with training shows the best predic-
flexors training in older men and reported a 13.9% tion in the second third of the muscle length.
increase in muscle volume and 26% increase in The use of a regression equation as a model for
CSAmax after a 12-week training programme. They predicting muscle volume is not without limitations.
correlated muscle volume change with a single CSA Our regression model, derived from a relatively
change as a result of training, and found a 12–18% homogeneous group of 35 males only, showed a
difference between the CSA of consecutive MR very high correlation with the multi-slice measure-
images at mid-arm. ment, and a standard error of estimate equivalent to
Our findings indicate that the triceps muscle size 8% of the measured muscle volume. Although
change as a result of training keeps the same validation is required, as few as seven participants
functional relation as before the protocol. In addi- are enough for deriving the prediction formula for
tion, when we apply the same prediction formula for muscle volume calculation based on one slice before
post-training values, the correlation is significant and and after training with this method. The minimum
very high for all prediction models. However, volume required sample size for our study was seven, for the
change prediction in comparison to multi-slice following parameters: number of predictors ¼ 2,
volume calculation change showed less than a 1% type I error rate a ¼ 0.05, Cohen’s effects size ¼ 4
difference when Model CSA60% was used, and the (R2 ¼ 0.8), statistical power 1 – b ¼ 0.8.
standard deviation for the calculated volume change These findings show that further study on this
is 3.95%. These data indicate that the accuracy of the topic is necessary to validate the equations we have
prediction method is better than the variability derived for other population groups before they can
of muscle volume change with training. But, if be applied in general.
volume change is less than 4%, errors may occur. Finding the best prediction equation for muscle
Interestingly, if only the CSA change is taken into volume calculation, and small volume changes based
consideration, prediction is possible, but with higher on a single anatomical CSA measure, will consider-
error (RSE is 9.4%, 8.4%, and 8.5% for CSAmax, ably reduce the time required to estimate muscle
CSA60%, and CSA50% respectively, compared with volume using this and similar approaches. In
8.5%, 7.8%, and 7.7% when humerus length is addition, by introducing humerus length into the
included in the equation). This observation is valid equation, we simplify the procedure for its measure-
only for the triceps brachii, the muscle investigated in ment, since it can be obtained during MRI scanning.
the present study. Other investigators used muscle length, which can be
An important application of this technique is in the obtained only by using the ultrasound technique
assessment of muscle volumes in cross-sectional and together with MRI (Morse et al., 2007). Also, BMI
longitudinal studies of muscle hypertrophy or atro- can provide an additional dimension of muscle
phy occurring as a result of growth, ageing, training, volume measurements, especially because of popula-
disuse or disease. To be useful in these situations the tion variation in body size.
critical requirement is that the individual muscles
retain the same shape, i.e. can be described by the
Conclusions
regression equations derived here, no matter whether
they atrophy or hypertrophy. Preferential hypertro- For triceps brachii muscle volume calculation based
phy of a muscle would not be a problem as long as on CSA measures, the best prediction equation
the overall shape of the muscle remains constant. includes not only the values of CSA50% or CSA60%,
Prediction of triceps brachii volume from single CSA 641
but also the humerus length and BMI. If a single McAuliffe, M., Lalonde, F., McGarry, D., Gandler, W., Csaky,
anatomical CSA is used for prediction of triceps K., & Trus, B. (2001). Medical imaging processing, analysis
and visualization in clinical research. IEEE Computer-based
brachii volume, the best fit is with CSA60% and Medical Systems, 2001, 381–386.
humerus length. The same prediction formula can be Mitsiopoulos, N., Baumgartner, R. N., Heymsfield, S. B., Lyons,
used for volume prediction before and after training, W., Gallagher, D., & Ross, R. (1998). Cadaver validation of
with high accuracy (r ¼ 0.941). Triceps brachii skeletal muscle measurement by magnetic resonance imaging
and computerized tomography. Journal of Applied Physiology,
muscle hypertrophy, as a result of resistance training,
85, 115–122.
is at its highest in the second third of the muscle Miyatani, M., Kanehisa, K., Masuo, Y., Ito, M., & Fukunaga, T.
length. (2001). Validity of estimating limb muscle volume by bioelec-
trical impedance. Journal of Applied Physiology, 91, 386–394.
Morse, C. I., Degens, H., & Jones, D. A. (2007). The validity of
estimating quadriceps volume from single MRI cross-sections
References in young men. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 100, 267–
274.
Abe, T., DeHoyos, D. V., Pollock, M. L., & Garzarella, L. (2000). Morse, C. I., Thom, J. M., Davis, M. G., Fox, K. R., Birch,
Downloaded by [Queensland University of Technology] at 20:33 06 November 2014