Calf muscle (Triceps surae complex) thickness in an adult Nigerian population: An imaging based normographic study

Abstract

Objective: The thickness of the triceps surae muscle complex was assessed by ultrasound in a young adult Nigerian population. Its relationship with some anthropometric variables and sexual dimorphism was also assessed. Subjects and Methods: Sixty young adults (30 males and 30 females) between the ages of 19 and 30 years were recruited for the study. Anthropometric protocols for height, weight, foot length (FL) lower leg length (LLL) and mid calf circumference (MCC) were observed. Results: Results show that the mean thickness of the calf muscle complex (CMT) was 81.65 ± 8.92 mm for all the subjects; 83.70 ± 8.73 mm for males; 79.95 ± 8.56 mm for females. The mean mid calf circumference (MCC) was 35.26 ± 2.61 cm for all subjects; 36.41 ± 3.56 cm for males; 34.10 ± 3.33 cm for females. Pearson's correlation coefficient showed that CMT correlated positively with height, weight, BMI and BSA in the sample subjects. However, such correlations were not observed among the male subjects. MCC also correlated with some anthropometric parameters (height, weight, BMI, BSA, FL) measured. Conclusion: The findings from this study will form the bases for further research on relationships of the calf muscle complex. It also indicates that males have thicker Calf muscles and CMT has a positive relationship with height, weight, BMI and BSA especially among the female subjects. © 2013 Egwu O.