Leg muscle volume and power development of Tunisian adolescents: Effect of socioeconomic status

Summary Objective We undertook to examine growth patterns and the development of leg muscle power by socioeconomic classes among healthy Tunisian adolescents aged 13 to 19 years. Methods Five hundred and sixty Tunisian healthy adolescents (259 males and 301 females) were randomly selected. Anthropometric variables were measured and socioeconomic status was assessed according to a standard questionnaire. Jump heights and leg power were provided by an Optojump device using countermovement jump and squat jump. Results Tunisian adolescents from high socioeconomic status had significant differences (P Conclusion The socioeconomic status act on growth patterns and the development of leg muscle power in healthy Tunisian adolescents aged between 13–19 years. Tunisian adolescents from high socioeconomic status had higher mean values of leg muscle volume than those from low socioeconomic status.