The Role of Bilateral Mechanical Balance in the Superficial Quadriceps Femoris Parts on VO2max

The aim of this study is to investigate the role of bilateral mechanical balance in the surface components of the quadriceps femoris muscle in VO2max consumption. The study was designed as a descriptive model, and 30 male athletes with an average age of 20.80±2.53 years participated voluntarily. Participants’ height and weight measurements were taken first, then the mechanical properties of the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), and vastus medialis (VM) muscles in both thigh regions were evaluated in terms of tone, stiffness, and elasticity parameters using the MyotonPro device. Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) measurements were performed using the COSMED K5 wearable metabolic system and Sprintex ergospirometric treadmill (Sprintex, Hürth, Germany) using the Bruce protocol. Bilateral mechanical balance between the legs was determined by calculating the mechanical differences between the dominant and non-dominant sides as a percentage. The relationship between parameters was analyzed using the Spearman correlation test with SPSS 25 software at a significance level of p