Association Of Skeletal Muscle Index, Body Composition, And Maximum Strength In Non-athlete Active Mexican Males

Skeletal muscle index (SMI) is a critical indicator of body composition associated with muscle strength in athletes. Muscle strength is influenced by both muscle and bone structures, which can vary based on body composition factors. While SMI and body composition measures are often linked to strength, few studies have examined these associations in active, non-athlete Mexican males in relation to specific strength exercises like the bench press, squat, and deadlift. PURPOSE: To assess correlations between skeletal muscle index, body composition, and maximum strength in the bench press, squat, and deadlift among active, non-athlete Mexican males. METHOD: Thirty-eight healthy male volunteers (Mage = 22.3, SD = 4.2 years; Mweight = 78.9, SD = 6.9 kg; Mheight = 173.2, SD = 5.4 cm) participated in the study. Maximum strength was assessed for the bench press, squat, and deadlift using a Vitruve linear encoder. Anthropometric measurements followed ISAK standards, and body composition, including SMI and muscle-bone index (used to monitor for indicators of anabolic substance use), was assessed using a five-component model. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated using SPSS version 21.0 (p < .05). RESULTS: Moderate correlations were found between bench press strength and relaxed arm circumference (r = .48, p < .05), flexed arm circumference (r = .53, p < .05), waist circumference (r = .40, p < .05), and muscle mass (r = .45, p < .05). Squat strength was moderately correlated with mid-thigh circumference (r = .46, p < .05) and flexed arm circumference (r = .35, p < .05). No significant correlations were observed for deadlift strength with body composition measures. Conclusion: The study’s findings suggest that SMI and certain body composition measures, particularly arm and mid-thigh circumference, may serve as useful indicators of strength in exercises such as the bench press and squat among active, non-athlete Mexican males. These results highlight the potential for SMI and targeted body composition assessments to inform strength program design tailored to individual muscle development.