Interpreting the relation between force and cross-sectional area in human muscle

The maximum force a muscle can produce depends on its cross-sectional area (CSA). However, the exact interpretation of this relationship has been a matter of controversy. Recently, the controversy has centered on whether the measurements are best correlated using regression analysis or ratio standards. Applying regression analysis to this problem implies that all the experimental error is in the measurement of force. Thus, confusion may arise by failure to take account of errors in the measurement of CSA. Using a statistical model, we show how regression analysis can be misleading as error is introduced into the measurement of CSA as well as that of force. Because neither the errors in force nor CSA can be quantified in the experimental situation, we conclude that ratio standards are less likely to mislead although the accuracy of the result depends on the degree of correlation between force and CSA in the muscle measured.