Vastus Lateralis Cross-Sectional Area Is Associated with Squat Strength and Power in Young Female Acrobatic Gymnasts

Muscle size and architecture’s contribution to force and power production in young female acrobatic gymnasts (ACROs) remains unclear. This cross-sectional study examined the associations between quadriceps muscle size and architecture and strength–power performance in young elite female ACROs. Twenty base athletes (12–18 years) underwent ultrasound assessment of rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL) cross-sectional area (CSA), VL muscle volume, VL fascicle length, and VL pennation angle. Participants were additionally classified as pre/mid-pubertal (Tanner stages 1–3) and post-pubertal (Tanner stages 4–5) for descriptive analyses. Performance testing included one-repetition maximum (1RM) squat and hang power clean (HHPC), squat power (Pmax), and countermovement jump (CMJ). In adjusted (Tanner stage and height) linear regression models, VL CSA at 35% and 50% of femur length was positively associated with 1RM squat (β = 2.38–2.31 kg·cm−2; p = 0.031–0.011) and Pmax (β = 45.75–38.43 W·cm−2; p < 0.001). No associations were observed for CMJ, HHPC, or RF variables. Mid-thigh VL size appears to be an independent predictor of squat strength and power in ACRO.