Background Tensiomyography (TMG) is an innovative tool to control athletic training, and prevent and follow up muscular injuries. The reliability and validity for different population (sport modality, physical activity level, medical history, body composition, etc.) have been reported (Rodriguez-Matoso et al., 2012; Tous-Fajardo et al., 2010). Body composition of individuals may determine the mechanical response of muscular contraction produced by electrical stimulation.

The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation of the values of fat percentage (%F), front thigh skinfold (FTS) and thigh girth (TG) to the maximal radial deformation (Dm) of the Rectus Femoris (RF) obtained using TMG.

Methods A total of 193 participants were assessed: 132 high performance volleyball players (79 male, and 53 female), and 61 Sport Sciences college students (40 male, and 21 female). Anthropometric variables (%F, FTS, and TG) where assessed following the ISAK guidelines (Marfell-Jones, 2001) by a certified instructor (level 3). Faulkner's equation was used to calculate %F, and the TMG was used following Rodriguez-Matoso et al (2012) guidelines. Pearson correlation was assessed for statistical analysis using the SPSS v.19.0 with a level of signification p≤0.05.

Results Results did not show differences between total sample and gender-related samples (FTS vs Dm: r 2=0.0096; p=0.19, y %G vs Dm: r 2<0.001; p=0.98), neither when TG is used as a control variable (FTS vs Dm: r 2=0.01; p=0.18, and %G vs Dm: r 2<0.001; p=0.82).

Conclusions In conclusion, the results point that Dm in this population is not affected by body composition variables such %F, FTS, or TG.