Selim Mahmut GÜNAY, Uğur SÖZLÜ, Sevda Demir TÜRE, Naile Bolca TOPAL, Nevin Aysel GÜZEL
Turkish Journal of Kinesiology - 2025;11(6):374-382
This study aimed to investigate the association between muscle microvascularization and various physical performance parameters, including strength, endurance, fatigue, and explosive power, in healthy sedentary women. Forty healthy, sedentary women (aged 20 -40) participated in this cross-sectional study. Microvascular network of the rectus femoris, biceps femoris, and medial/lateral gastrocnemius muscles was assessed using Superb Microvascular Imaging (SMI), yielding the Vascular Index (VI, %). Muscle strength and endurance were evaluated via isometric and isokinetic testing; physical performance was assessed using vertical jump and 60-second heel raise tests. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to explore associations between VI and performance metrics. Significant positive correlations were found between medial gastrocnemius VI and heel raise repetitions, knee flexor strength, and endurance (p < 0.01). Negative correlations were observed between rectus femoris VI and knee extensor fatigue, and between biceps femoris/medial gastrocnemius VI and knee flexor fatigue (r = - 0.494, p = 0.001). No significant relationship was identified between VI and vertical jump performance (p>0.05). Muscle microvascularization appears to be a significant determinant of endurance and fatigue resistance in healthy individuals, though it is not directly related to short-duration, high-intensity power output. SMI-based vascular assessment may serve as a valuable biomarker in both sports training and rehabilitation planning.
