Publications
Normative Data of Neuromuscular Function in Upper Limb and Its Correlation with Superficial Fascia and Body Mass Composition
Authors: Oriol Casasayas-Cos 1, 2, Noe Labata-Lezaun 2, 3, Luis Llurda-Almuzara 2, 3, Sara Ortiz-Miguel 2, 4, Johke Smit 5, Carlos Lopez-de-Celis 2, 3, 6, Albert Perez-Bellmunt 2, 7
Affiliations:
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, 08195 Barcelona, Spain
- Actium Functional Anatomy Research Group, 08195 Sant Cugat del Valles, Spain
- Department of Physiotherapy, Universidad de Vitoria-Gasteiz (EUNEIZ), 01013 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Unit of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (Clinic Campus), University of Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- PhASRec, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University (NWU), Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
- Study Group on Pathology of the Locomotor System in Primary Care (GEPALAP), Institut Universitari d-Investigacio en Atencio Primaria (IDIAP Jordi Gol), 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- Unit of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
Journal: Applied Sciences - February 2026, Volume 16, Issue 3, Article no. 1544 (DOI: 10.3390/app16031544)
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Field & Applications:
- Normatives
- Muscle symmetry
Myoton Clarification Note: A Guide to Interpreting the Inverse Relationship Between Logarithmic Decrement and Tissue Elasticity
Background/Objectives: Neuromuscular functions (NMFs) encompass biomechanical and viscoelastic properties that are essential for coordinated movement and muscular control. While NMFs have been extensively investigated in the lower limb, normative data for the upper extremity remain limited, particularly regarding the interaction between neuromuscular properties, superficial fascia, and body composition. As body composition and fascial characteristics may influence neuromuscular behavior and the interpretation of mechanical measurements, this study aimed to establish reference values for upper limb NMF, analyze dominance-related differences, and investigate the relationship between superficial fascia thickness and body mass composition.
Methods: A descriptive, non-experimental study was conducted involving 61 healthy adults (122 upper limbs). Assessments included body composition (bioimpedance), superficial fascia thickness (skinfolds), viscoelastic properties (MyotonPRO), and isometric strength (handheld dynamometry). Standardized protocols were applied for all measurements. Comparisons were performed between sexes and between dominant and non-dominant limbs. Correlation analyses explored associations between NMF, adiposity, and fascia parameters.
Results: Dominant limbs showed slightly greater strength; however, these differences were not statistically significant. Viscoelastic properties were largely symmetrical between limbs, with minimal dominance-related differences. Clear sex differences were observed: men demonstrated greater strength, lean mass, and increased stiffness, whereas women presented higher skinfold thickness and lower muscle tone. Weak correlations were identified between stiffness, relaxation, and strength, as well as between adiposity and superficial fascia thickness. Greater adipose thickness was associated with lower stiffness values in the triceps (rho= −0304; iC95% 0.041/0.528; p = 0.017).
Conclusions: Upper limb neuromuscular properties exhibit high bilateral symmetry, with limb dominance influencing strength. Sex and body composition significantly modulate both viscoelastic and functional parameters. These findings provide normative reference values and highlight the relevance of considering body composition and fascial characteristics when assessing neuromuscular function in clinical and sports contexts.
Keywords: neuromuscular function, myotonometry, anatomy, fascia, body composition, upper limb, viscoelastic properties, muscle strength, dominance
This research shows that lateral dominance mainly affects strength, while viscoelastic properties remain mostly symmetrical between limbs. Clear sex differences were evident: men presented greater strength and higher stiffness, while women showed higher elasticity but lower absolute strength. Body composition, particularly superficial fat, also influences neuromuscular function, as higher adiposity relates to lower strength and reduced stiffness values. Clinically, these findings support the need for comprehensive assessments that consider strength, myofascial properties, and body composition to guide rehabilitation. In sports, monitoring asymmetries and balancing training could optimize performance while reducing injury risk.