Validity of ultrasound prediction equations for total and regional muscularity in middle-aged and older men and women

Assessing the effectiveness of Compare Assistant for improving intra-rater reliability of ultrasound-measured muscle thickness

PURPOSE

Muscle thickness measured via ultrasound is commonly used to assess muscle size. The purpose of this study was to determine if the reliability of this measurement will improve if using the Compare Assistant tool, and whether this depends on technician experience and the muscle being assessed.

METHODS

Individuals came to the laboratory for two visits each separated by 24 h. On day 1, two ultrasound images were taken on the individual's anterior upper arm (elbow flexors) and anterior lower leg (tibialis anterior) by two inexperienced and one experienced ultrasound technician. On day 2, three images were taken: (1) without looking at the previous images taken on day 1; (2) after re-examining the images taken on day 1, and (3) side-by-side with the images taken on day 1 via Compare Assistant. Bayes Factors (BF10) were used to provide evidence for the null (< 0.33) or alternative (> 3) hypotheses.

RESULTS

There was no rater by measurement technique interaction (upper body: BF10 = 0.04, lower body: BF10 = 0.138), nor was there a main effect of measurement technique (upper body: BF10 = 0.052, lower body: BF10 = 0.331), indicating that reliability measures were not improved for either the upper body (CV%, no look: 2.92 vs. Compare Assistant: 2.87) or lower body (CV%, no look: 1.81 vs. Compare Assistant: 1.34) as a result of using Compare Assistant.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that day-to-day reliability of muscle thickness measurement may be limited by random biological variability as opposed to technician error.

Surface Electromyography-Driven Parameters for Representing Muscle Mass and Strength

The need for developing a simple and effective assessment tool for muscle mass has been increasing in a rapidly aging society. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of the surface electromyography (sEMG) parameters for estimating muscle mass. Overall, 212 healthy volunteers participated in this study. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) strength and root mean square (RMS) values of motor unit potentials from surface electrodes on each muscle (biceps brachii, triceps brachii, biceps femoris, rectus femoris) during isometric exercises of elbow flexion (EF), elbow extension (EE), knee flexion (KF), knee extension (KE) were acquired. New variables (MeanRMS, MaxRMS, and RatioRMS) were calculated from RMS values according to each exercise. Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) was performed to determine the segmental lean mass (SLM), segmental fat mass (SFM), and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM). Muscle thicknesses were measured using ultrasonography (US). sEMG parameters showed positive correlations with MVC strength, SLM, ASM, and muscle thickness measured by US, but showed negative correlations with SFM. An equation was developed for ASM: ASM = -26.04 + 20.345 × Height + 0.178 × weight - 2.065 × (1, if female; 0, if male) + 0.327 × RatioRMS(KF) + 0.965 × MeanRMS(EE) (SEE = 1.167, adjusted R² = 0.934). sEMG parameters in controlled conditions may represent overall muscle strength and muscle mass in healthy individuals.

Sarcopenia and Cardiovascular Diseases

Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle strength, mass, and function, which is often exacerbated by chronic comorbidities including cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, and cancer. Sarcopenia is associated with faster progression of cardiovascular diseases and higher risk of mortality, falls, and reduced quality of life, particularly among older adults. Although the pathophysiologic mechanisms are complex, the broad underlying cause of sarcopenia includes an imbalance between anabolic and catabolic muscle homeostasis with or without neuronal degeneration. The intrinsic molecular mechanisms of aging, chronic illness, malnutrition, and immobility are associated with the development of sarcopenia. Screening and testing for sarcopenia may be particularly important among those with chronic disease states. Early recognition of sarcopenia is important because it can provide an opportunity for interventions to reverse or delay the progression of muscle disorder, which may ultimately impact cardiovascular outcomes. Relying on body mass index is not useful for screening because many patients will have sarcopenic obesity, a particularly important phenotype among older cardiac patients. In this review, we aimed to: (1) provide a definition of sarcopenia within the context of muscle wasting disorders; (2) summarize the associations between sarcopenia and different cardiovascular diseases; (3) highlight an approach for a diagnostic evaluation; (4) discuss management strategies for sarcopenia; and (5) outline key gaps in knowledge with implications for the future of the field.

Association of Sonographic Sarcopenia and Falls in Older Adults Presenting to the Emergency Department

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between point-of-care-ultrasonography (POCUS)-measured sarcopenia and grip strength, as well as the history of prior-year falls among older adults admitted to the emergency department observation unit (EDOU).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional observational study was conducted over 8 months at a large urban teaching hospital. A consecutive sample of patients who were 65 years or older and admitted to the EDOU were enrolled in the study. Using standardized techniques, trained research assistants and co-investigators measured patients' biceps brachii and thigh quadriceps muscles via a linear transducer. Grip strength was measured using a Jamar Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer. Participants were surveyed regarding their history of falls in the prior year. Logistic regression analyses assessed the relationship of sarcopenia and grip strength to a history of falls (the primary outcome).

RESULTS

Among 199 participants (55% female), 46% reported falling in the prior year. The median biceps thickness was 2.22 cm with an Interquartile range [IQR] of 1.87-2.74, and the median thigh muscle thickness was 2.91 cm with an IQR of 2.40-3.49. A univariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated a correlation between higher thigh muscle thickness, normal grip strength, and history of prior-year falling, with an odds ratio [OR] of 0.67 (95% conference interval [95%CI] 0.47-0.95) and an OR of 0.51 (95%CI 0.29-0.91), respectively. In multivariate logistic regression, only higher thigh muscle thickness was correlated with a history of prior-year falls, with an OR of 0.59 (95% CI 0.38-0.91).

CONCLUSIONS

POCUS-measured thigh muscle thickness has the potential to identify patients who have fallen and thus are at high risk for future falls.

Narrative Review of Sex Differences in Muscle Strength, Endurance, Activation, Size, Fiber Type, and Strength Training Participation Rates, Preferences, Motivations, Injuries, and Neuromuscular Adaptations

ABSTRACT

Nuzzo, JL. Narrative review of sex differences in muscle strength, endurance, activation, size, fiber type, and strength training participation rates, preferences, motivations, injuries, and neuromuscular adaptations. J Strength Cond Res 37(2): 494-536, 2023-Biological sex and its relation with exercise participation and sports performance continue to be discussed. Here, the purpose was to inform such discussions by summarizing the literature on sex differences in numerous strength training-related variables and outcomes-muscle strength and endurance, muscle mass and size, muscle fiber type, muscle twitch forces, and voluntary activation; strength training participation rates, motivations, preferences, and practices; and injuries and changes in muscle size and strength with strength training. Male subjects become notably stronger than female subjects around age 15 years. In adults, sex differences in strength are more pronounced in upper-body than lower-body muscles and in concentric than eccentric contractions. Greater male than female strength is not because of higher voluntary activation but to greater muscle mass and type II fiber areas. Men participate in strength training more frequently than women. Men are motivated more by challenge, competition, social recognition, and a desire to increase muscle size and strength. Men also have greater preference for competitive, high-intensity, and upper-body exercise. Women are motivated more by improved attractiveness, muscle "toning," and body mass management. Women have greater preference for supervised and lower-body exercise. Intrasexual competition, mate selection, and the drive for muscularity are likely fundamental causes of exercise behaviors in men and women. Men and women increase muscle size and strength after weeks of strength training, but women experience greater relative strength improvements depending on age and muscle group. Men exhibit higher strength training injury rates. No sex difference exists in strength loss and muscle soreness after muscle-damaging exercise.

Reliability assessment of ultrasound muscle echogenicity in patients with rheumatic diseases: Results of a multicenter international web-based study

Objectives

To investigate the inter/intra-reliability of ultrasound (US) muscle echogenicity in patients with rheumatic diseases.

Methods

Forty-two rheumatologists and 2 radiologists from 13 countries were asked to assess US muscle echogenicity of quadriceps muscle in 80 static images and 20 clips from 64 patients with different rheumatic diseases and 8 healthy subjects. Two visual scales were evaluated, a visual semi-quantitative scale (0-3) and a continuous quantitative measurement ("VAS echogenicity," 0-100). The same assessment was repeated to calculate intra-observer reliability. US muscle echogenicity was also calculated by an independent research assistant using a software for the analysis of scientific images (ImageJ). Inter and intra reliabilities were assessed by means of prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted Kappa (PABAK), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and correlations through Kendall's Tau and Pearson's Rho coefficients.

Results

The semi-quantitative scale showed a moderate inter-reliability [PABAK = 0.58 (0.57-0.59)] and a substantial intra-reliability [PABAK = 0.71 (0.68-0.73)]. The lowest inter and intra-reliability results were obtained for the intermediate grades (i.e., grade 1 and 2) of the semi-quantitative scale. "VAS echogenicity" showed a high reliability both in the inter-observer [ICC = 0.80 (0.75-0.85)] and intra-observer [ICC = 0.88 (0.88-0.89)] evaluations. A substantial association was found between the participants assessment of the semi-quantitative scale and "VAS echogenicity" [ICC = 0.52 (0.50-0.54)]. The correlation between these two visual scales and ImageJ analysis was high (tau = 0.76 and rho = 0.89, respectively).

Conclusion

The results of this large, multicenter study highlighted the overall good inter and intra-reliability of the US assessment of muscle echogenicity in patients with different rheumatic diseases.

Usefulness of muscle ultrasound in appendicular skeletal muscle mass estimation for sarcopenia assessment

The measurement of skeletal muscle mass is essential for the diagnosis of sarcopenia. Muscle ultrasonography has emerged as a useful tool for evaluating sarcopenia because it can be used to assess muscle quality and quantity. This study investigated whether muscle ultrasonography is effective for estimating appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) and screening for sarcopenia. This study prospectively enrolled 212 healthy volunteers aged 40-80 years. ASM was measured using the bioelectrical impedance analysis. Muscle thickness (MT) and echo-intensity (EI) were measured in four muscles (biceps brachii, BB; triceps brachii, TB; rectus femoris, RF; biceps femoris, BF) on the dominant hand. A hold-out cross-validation method was used to develop and validate the ASM prediction equation. In the model development group, the ASM prediction equations were deduced as follows: estimated ASM for men (kg) = 0.167 × weight (kg) + 0.228 × height (cm) + 0.143 × MT of BF (mm)- 0.822 × EI to MT ratio of BB- 28.187 (R2 = 0.830) and estimated ASM for women (kg) = 0.115 × weight + 0.215 × height (cm) + 0.139 × MT of RF-0.638 × EI to MT ratio of BB- 23.502 (R2 = 0.859). In the cross-validation group, the estimated ASM did not significantly differ from the measured ASM in both men (p = 0.775; intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.948) and women (p = 0.516; ICC = 0.973). In addition, multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the ratios of EI to MT in the BF and RF muscles in men and MT in the BB muscle in women could be valuable parameters for sarcopenia screening. Therefore, our study suggests that muscle ultrasound could be an effective tool for estimating ASM and screening sarcopenia.

Ultrasonography for Assessment of Sarcopenia: A Primer

The human skeletal muscle has a pivotal role in preserving health by maintaining mobility, balance, and metabolic homeostasis. Significant muscle loss as a part of aging and accelerated by disease leads to sarcopenia which becomes an important predictor of quality of life in older persons. Therefore, clinical screening for sarcopenia and validation by precise qualitative and quantitative measurement of skeletal muscle mass (MM) and function is at the center-stage of translational research. Many imaging modalities are available, each having their strengths and limitations, either in interpretation, technical processes, time constraints, or expense. B-mode ultrasonography (US) is a relatively novel approach to evaluating muscle. It can measure several parameters such as MM and architecture simultaneously including muscle thickness, cross-sectional area, echogenicity, pennate angle, and fascicle length. It can also evaluate dynamic parameters like muscle contraction force and muscle microcirculation. US has not gained global attention due to a lack of consensus on standardization and diagnostic threshold values to diagnose sarcopenia. However, it is an inexpensive and widely available technique with clinical applicability. The ultrasound-derived parameters correlate well with strength and functional capacity and provide potential prognostic information. Our aim is to present an update on the evidence-based role of this promising technique in sarcopenia, its advantages over the existing modalities, and its limitations in actual practice with the hope that it may emerge as the "stethoscope" for community diagnosis of sarcopenia.

Guidance for assessment of the muscle mass phenotypic criterion for the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition diagnosis of malnutrition

The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) provides consensus criteria for the diagnosis of malnutrition that can be widely applied. The GLIM approach is based on the assessment of three phenotypic (weight loss, low body mass index, and low skeletal muscle mass) and two etiologic (low food intake and presence of disease with systemic inflammation) criteria, with diagnosis confirmed by any combination of one phenotypic and one etiologic criterion fulfilled. Assessment of muscle mass is less commonly performed than other phenotypic malnutrition criteria, and its interpretation may be less straightforward, particularly in settings that lack access to skilled clinical nutrition practitioners and/or to body composition methodologies. In order to promote the widespread assessment of skeletal muscle mass as an integral part of the GLIM diagnosis of malnutrition, the GLIM consortium appointed a working group to provide consensus-based guidance on assessment of skeletal muscle mass. When such methods and skills are available, quantitative assessment of muscle mass should be measured or estimated using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, computerized tomography, or bioelectrical impedance analysis. For settings where these resources are not available, then the use of anthropometric measures and physical examination are also endorsed. Validated ethnic- and sex-specific cutoff values for each measurement and tool are recommended when available. Measurement of skeletal muscle function is not advised as surrogate measurement of muscle mass. However, once malnutrition is diagnosed, skeletal muscle function should be investigated as a relevant component of sarcopenia and for complete nutrition assessment of persons with malnutrition.

Physical performance and glycemic control under SGLT-2-inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes and established atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases or high cardiovascular risk (PUSH): Design of a 4-week prospective observational study

Background

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with limitation in physical performance. Results from animal studies report enhancement of physical performance in T2D rodents treated with sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is). However, in human patients with T2D and established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or high cardiovascular risk, the impact of guideline directed SGLT2i medication on physical performance has not been sufficiently examined.

Objectives

The main objectives of this study are thus firstly, to assess the changes in physical performance after 4 weeks of exercise therapy in patients with established ASCVD or high cardiovascular risk categorized into three groups according to their glycemic control at baseline. Secondly, to investigate the association of glycemic control at baseline and new guideline directed antidiabetic treatment (inadequate glycemic control and diabetes + new SGLT2i vs. adequate glycemic control and diabetes vs. no diabetes) with change in physical performance.

Methods and design

This is a 4-week prospective observational study of 450 participants with established ASCVD or high cardiovascular risk with or without T2D and without previous SGLT2i medication undergoing exercise therapy during inpatient rehabilitation in a single center in Switzerland. Upon admission, participants are categorized into 3 groups of 150 participants each according to their glycemic control. Group I consisting of participants with inadequately controlled T2D defined as mean fasting plasma glucose (FPG) of ≥7 mmol/L, who are consequently administered new treatment with an SGLT2i. Group II comprises of participants with adequately controlled T2D with mean FPG of <7 mmol/L requiring no antidiabetic medication change. Group III consists of participants with no diabetes and mean FPG of ≤ 5.5 mmol/L. Primary outcomes are 6-min walk distance and rate of perceived exertion. Secondary outcomes are echocardiographic parameters (left ventricular mass index; global longitudinal strain average; end-diastolic volume), fatigue, muscle, metabolic, and anthropometric measures.

Ethics and dissemination

This study is conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki with ethical approval from the Cantonal Ethical Commission of Bern, Switzerland. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. The implementation and reporting will be according to the SPIRIT guidelines.

Study protocol registration

https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier: NCT03422263.

Muscle Ultrasound as Imaging Domain of Frailty

Introduction

Frailty is a geriatric syndrome, a clinical state of vulnerability for developing dependency and/or death. Due to its multidimensional nature, Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) constitutes the best strategy to evaluate frailty in older patients. Accumulation of deficits model synthesizes the global assessment of geriatric domains in the Frailty Index (FI) score. Muscle Ultrasound (MUS) has been employed to evaluate muscle mass wasting as tool to assess sarcopenia in late life. The present study aims to evaluate the association between CGA-based FI and MUS measures in a population of hospitalized older adults.

Methods

Patients aged ≥65 years underwent CGA for the evaluation of the domains of health and functional status, psycho-cognition, nutritional status, socio-environmental condition. Following standard procedure, a CGA-based FI was elaborated, taking into account 38 multidimensional items. Muscle thicknesses (MT) of rectus femoris plus vastus intermedius were measured through MUS axial cross-section. Multivariable regression analysis was employed to determine factors associated with FI.

Results

The study population consisted of 136 older patients, 87 men (63.9%), with median age of 74 (70–81) years, FI of 0.3 (0.21–0.46), and MT of rectus femoris plus vastus intermedius 29.27 (23.08–35.7) mm. At multivariable regression analysis, FI resulted significantly and independently associated with age and MT.

Conclusion

Muscle thicknesses of rectus femoris plus vastus intermedius, measured through MUS, resulted to be significantly related to FI in a population of hospitalized older patients. In the CGA-based assessment of frailty, MUS may constitute an additional imaging domain.

Ultrasound assessment of sarcopenia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound (US) as a diagnostic tool for sarcopenia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

Female RA patients aged >50 years and matched controls were cross-sectionally assessed. Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on the 2019-updated Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia definition. The cross-sectional area (CSA) and echo intensity (EI) of the biceps brachii, rectus femoris, and EI of the vastus lateralis were examined bilaterally. Correction for subcutaneous fat and calculation of the recorrected EI (rcEI) were performed. We performed logistic regression using both muscle rcEI and CSA with receiver operating curve analysis to evaluate the discriminative performance per muscle group.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight consecutive RA patients and 15 age-and sex-matched controls were assessed. Sarcopenia was diagnosed in 34 RA patients (43.6%). The rcEI of examined muscles were significantly higher, whereas CSA were significantly lower in sarcopenic RA patients than in non-sarcopenic patients and matched controls. The combined discriminative performance of rcEI and CSA was superior to those of rcEI or CSA alone.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests the use of US for the diagnosis of sarcopenia in RA patients. The diagnostic performance increases when both echogenicity and CSA are considered together rather than individually.

Guidance for assessment of the muscle mass phenotypic criterion for the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) diagnosis of malnutrition

The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) provides consensus criteria for the diagnosis of malnutrition that can be widely applied. The GLIM approach is based on the assessment of three phenotypic (weight loss, low body mass index, and low skeletal muscle mass) and two etiologic (low food intake and presence of disease with systemic inflammation) criteria, with diagnosis confirmed by any combination of one phenotypic and one etiologic criterion fulfilled. Assessment of muscle mass is less commonly performed than other phenotypic malnutrition criteria, and its interpretation may be less straightforward, particularly in settings that lack access to skilled clinical nutrition practitioners and/or to body composition methodologies. In order to promote the widespread assessment of skeletal muscle mass as an integral part of the GLIM diagnosis of malnutrition, the GLIM consortium appointed a working group to provide consensus-based guidance on assessment of skeletal muscle mass. When such methods and skills are available, quantitative assessment of muscle mass should be measured or estimated using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, computerized tomography, or bioelectrical impedance analysis. For settings where these resources are not available, then the use of anthropometric measures and physical examination are also endorsed. Validated ethnic- and sex-specific cutoff values for each measurement and tool are recommended when available. Measurement of skeletal muscle function is not advised as surrogate measurement of muscle mass. However, once malnutrition is diagnosed, skeletal muscle function should be investigated as a relevant component of sarcopenia and for complete nutrition assessment of persons with malnutrition.

The feasibility and reliability of measuring forearm muscle thickness by ultrasound in a geriatric inpatient setting: a cross-sectional pilot study

Background

Given the potential benefits of introducing ultrasound in the clinical assessment of muscle disorders, this study aimed to assess the feasibility and reliability of measuring forearm muscle thickness by ultrasound in a geriatric clinical setting.

Methods

Cross-sectional pilot study in 25 participants (12 patients aged ≥ 70 years in an acute geriatric ward and 13 healthy volunteers aged 25–50 years), assessed by three raters. Muscle thickness measurement was estimated as the distance between the subcutaneous adipose tissue-muscle interface and muscle-bone interface of the radius at 30% proximal of the distance between the styloid process and distal insertion of the biceps brachii muscle of the dominant forearm. Examinations were repeated three times by each rater and intra- and inter-rater reliability was calculated. Feasibility analysis included consideration of technological, economic, legal, operational, and scheduling (TELOS) components.

Results

Mean muscle-thickness measurement difference between groups was 4.4 mm (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.4 mm to 6.3 mm], p < 0.001). Intra-rater reliability of muscle-thickness assessment was excellent, with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.947 (95%CI 0.902 to 0.974), 0.969 (95%CI 0.942 to 0.985), and 0.950 (95%CI 0.907 to 0.975) for observer A, B, and C, respectively. Inter-rater comparison showed good agreement (ICC of 0.873 [95%CI 0.73 to 0.94]). Four of the 17 TELOS components considered led to specific recommendations to improve the procedure’s feasibility in clinical practice.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that US is a feasible tool to assess the thickness of the forearm muscles with good inter-rater and excellent intra-rater reliability in a sample of hospitalized geriatric patients, making it a promising option for use in clinical practice.

The validity of ultrasound-derived equation models to predict whole-body muscle mass: A systematic review

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Sarcopenia is defined as the age-related loss in muscle quantity and quality which is associated with physical disability. The assessment of muscle quantity plays a role in the diagnosis of sarcopenia. However, the methods used for this assessment have many disadvantages in daily practice and research, like high costs, exposure to radiation, not being portable, or doubtful reliability. Ultrasound has been suggested for the estimation of muscle quantity by estimating muscle mass, using a prediction equation based on muscle thickness. In this systematic review, we aimed to summarize the available evidence on existing prediction equations to estimate muscle mass and to assess whether these are applicable in various adult populations.

METHODS

The databases PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science were used to search for studies predicting total or appendicular muscle mass using ultrasound. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies, version 2 (QUADAS-2) and the quality assessment checklist (QA) designed by Pretorius and Keating (2008).

RESULTS

Twelve studies were included in this systematic review. The participants were between 18 and 79 years old. Magnetic Resonance Imaging and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were used as reference methods. The studies generally had low risk of bias and there were low concerns regarding the applicability (QUADAS-2). Nine out of eleven studies reached high quality on the QA. All equations were developed in healthy adults.

CONCLUSIONS

The ultrasound-derived equations in the included articles are valid and applicable in a healthy population. For a Caucasian population we recommend to use the equation of Abe et al., 2015. While for an Asian population, we recommend to use the equation of Abe et al., 2018, for the South American population, the use of the equation of Barbosa-Silva et al., 2021 is the most appropriate.

Sarcopenia: Diagnosis and Management, State of the Art and Contribution of Ultrasound

Age-related muscle loss is a phenomenon that has been extensively studied in recent decades. Sarcopenia is a multisystem disease, which predisposes to muscle weakness and frailty. At around 50 years of age, an individual begins to lose muscle strength, although this becomes more evident after 70. Sarcopenia is a condition typically found in older adults but can also affect younger people. Sarcopenia is a preventable and treatable condition. In past years, methods and tools to recognize the condition early have been researched. For the development of therapeutic interventions, agreement on diagnosis is fundamental. In recent years, a possible role of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of sarcopenia has been evaluated, compared with the best-known techniques.

Sarcopenia Diagnosis: Reliability of the Ultrasound Assessment of the Tibialis Anterior Muscle as an Alternative Evaluation Tool

Sarcopenia is a skeletal muscle disorder characterized by reduced muscle mass, strength, and performance. Muscle ultrasound can be helpful in assessing muscle mass, quality, and architecture, and thus possibly useful for diagnosing or screening sarcopenia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability of ultrasound assessment of tibialis anterior muscle in sarcopenia diagnosis. We included subjects undergoing total or partial hip replacement, comparing measures with a healthy control group. We measured the following parameters: tibialis anterior muscle thickness, echogenicity, architecture, stiffness, skeletal muscle index (SMI), hand grip strength, and sarcopenia related quality of life evaluated through the SarQoL questionnaire. We included 33 participants with a mean age of 54.97 ± 23.91 years. In the study group we found reduced tibialis anterior muscle thickness compared to the healthy control group (19.49 ± 4.92 vs. 28.94 ± 3.63 mm, p < 0.05) with significant correlation with SarQoL values (r = 0.80, p < 0.05), dynamometer hand strength (r = 0.72, p < 0.05) and SMI (r = 0.76, p < 0.05). Moreover, we found reduced stiffness (32.21 ± 12.31 vs. 27.07 ± 8.04 Kpa, p < 0.05). AUC measures of ROC curves were 0.89 predicting reduced muscle strength, and 0.97 predicting reduced SMI for tibialis anterior muscle thickness, while they were 0.73 and 0.85, respectively, for muscle stiffness. Our findings showed that ultrasound assessment of tibialis anterior muscle might be considered a reliable measurement tool to evaluate sarcopenia.

Quantitative muscle ultrasound and electrical impedance myography in late onset Pompe disease: A pilot study of reliability, longitudinal change and correlation with function

Background/objectives

Late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) is slowly progressive, making it difficult to assess clinical change and response to interventions. In this study, quantitative muscle ultrasonography (QMUS) and electrical impedance myography (EIM) were evaluated as potential biomarkers.

Methods

25 patients with confirmed LOPD were recruited from the Duke Pompe Clinic and evaluated with standard clinical measures, QMUS, standard EIM (sEIM) and hand-held EIM (hEIM). Patients were evaluated at baseline, 12 months and 24 months. MUS, sEIM and hEIM were compared with the clinical data. Five patients were given hEIM devices to perform measurements at home.

Results

QMUS and hEIM had good reliability as measures of muscle structure and conduction properties. Home, patient-performed hEIM measurements did not differ significantly from those performed in the clinic setting. Thirteen patients completed all follow-up measures. Most measures did not change over the study period, however, vastus lateralis echointensity increased 27%, a sign of declining muscle health. Additionally, significant correlations between QMUS, hEIM and measures of muscle strength and function were present.

Conclusions

QMUS and hEIM may provide useful outcome measures for future studies in LOPD with hEIM providing an opportunity to collect data at home. Larger, multicenter studies are needed to explore these possibilities.

Ultrasound Evaluation of the Rectus Femoris for Sarcopenia in Patients with Early Subacute Stroke

We investigated the ultrasound characteristics of the rectus femoris for sarcopenia detected by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in the early subacute stroke phase. Physical features (age, sex, body mass index, and circumference of thigh) and performances (modified Barthel index in Korean, functional ambulation categories, and mini-mental state examination in Korean) were measured. The thickness of the fat layer, the thickness of the rectus femoris (TRF), echo intensity (EI), EI to TRF ratio, and strain ratio of elastography (SRE) were measured by ultrasound in 30 patients with first-ever stroke (male: n = 20). Appendicular lean body mass was measured by DEXA. Sarcopenia was defined according to the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health Sarcopenia Project. In total, 14 patients were in the sarcopenia group, and 16 were in the non-sarcopenia group. Clinical characteristics were similar between the two groups. In the sarcopenia group, TRF was significantly decreased in the paretic (p < 0.026) and non-paretic sides (p < 0.01), and the EI to TRF ratio on the paretic side was significantly increased (p < 0.049). Multivariate binary logistic regression showed that TRF on the non-paretic side was independently and significantly associated with sarcopenia (OR = 0.616, 95% CI: 0.381-0.996). The EI and SRE were not significant between the two groups. In the early subacute stroke phase, TRF on the non-paretic side is a key factor for quantitative evaluation of sarcopenia, and the EI to TRF ratio on the paretic side is also a meaningful qualitative evaluation of sarcopenia.

Quantitative assessment of volumetric muscle loss: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and ultrasonography

The generalized skeletal muscle disorder that involves (in elderly subjects) the progressive loss of muscle mass and function has been defined sarcopenia, whereas the rapid-onset (traumatic or surgical) and focal (unilateral) loss of skeletal muscle with resultant functional impairment has been defined volumetric muscle loss. Different tools and approaches are commonly used in the clinical settings to quantify the loss of muscle or lean mass and to assess the consequent motor impairment. This review describes the technical principles and provides a summary of the main parameters that can be obtained to assess lean mass (and its distribution) or muscle size (and its structure) through the two imaging techniques most easily accessible and therefore frequently adopted in the clinical practice: dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and muscle ultrasonography.

Radiologic Definition of Sarcopenia in Chronic Liver Disease

Sarcopenia is prevalent in patients with chronic liver disease, and affected patients tend to have worse clinical outcomes and higher mortality. However, relevant analyses are limited by heterogeneity in the definition of sarcopenia and in the methodological approaches in assessing it. We reviewed several radiologic methods for sarcopenia in patients with chronic liver disease. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) can measure muscle mass, but it is difficult to evaluate muscle quality using this technique. Computed tomography, known as the gold standard for diagnosing sarcopenia, enables the objective measurement of muscle quantity and quality. The third lumbar skeletal muscle index (L3 SMI) more accurately predicted the mortality of subjects than the psoas muscle index (PMI). Few studies have evaluated the sarcopenia of chronic liver disease using ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging, and more studies are needed. Unification of the measurement method and cut-off value would facilitate a more systematic and universal prognosis evaluation in patients with chronic liver disease.

Radiologic Definition of Sarcopenia in Chronic Liver Disease

Sarcopenia is prevalent in patients with chronic liver disease, and affected patients tend to have worse clinical outcomes and higher mortality. However, relevant analyses are limited by heterogeneity in the definition of sarcopenia and in the methodological approaches in assessing it. We reviewed several radiologic methods for sarcopenia in patients with chronic liver disease. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) can measure muscle mass, but it is difficult to evaluate muscle quality using this technique. Computed tomography, known as the gold standard for diagnosing sarcopenia, enables the objective measurement of muscle quantity and quality. The third lumbar skeletal muscle index (L3 SMI) more accurately predicted the mortality of subjects than the psoas muscle index (PMI). Few studies have evaluated the sarcopenia of chronic liver disease using ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging, and more studies are needed. Unification of the measurement method and cut-off value would facilitate a more systematic and universal prognosis evaluation in patients with chronic liver disease.

Application of ultrasound for muscle assessment in sarcopenia: 2020 SARCUS update

PURPOSE

In 2018, the SARCUS working group published a first article on the standardization of the use of ultrasound to assess muscle. Recommendations were made for patient positioning, system settings and components to be measured. Also, shortcomings in knowledge were mentioned. An important issue that still required standardization was the definition of anatomical landmarks for many muscles.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed in Medline, SCOPUS and Web of Sciences looking for all articles describing the use of ultrasound in the assessment of muscle not described in the first recommendations, published from 01/01/2018 until 31/01/2020. All relevant terms used for older people, ultrasound and muscles were used.

RESULTS

For 39 muscles, different approaches for ultrasound assessment were found that likely impact the values measured. Standardized anatomical landmarks and measuring points were proposed for all muscles/muscle groups. Besides the five already known muscle parameters (muscle thickness, cross-section area, pennation angle, fascicle length and echo-intensity), four new parameters are discussed (muscle volume, stiffness, contraction potential and microcirculation). The former SARCUS article recommendations are updated with this new information that includes new muscle groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The emerging field of ultrasound assessment of muscle mass only highlights the need for a standardization of measurement technique. In this article, guidelines are updated and broadened to provide standardization instructions for a large number of muscles.

2 + 2 (+ 2) = 4: A new approach for appendicular muscle mass assessment by ultrasound

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to develop new appendicular lean mass (ALM) prediction models based on ultrasound and anthropometric measurements.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional assessment of a subsample from a population-based study (COMO VAI?), conducted with community-dwelling individuals ≥60 y of age living in a southern Brazilian city. ALM was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Muscle thickness (MT) from supine participants was assessed by ultrasound on the anterior aspect of both upper and lower limbs. Such measures, along with anthropometric data, were used to develop prediction models (multivariable linear regression) through the backward stepwise method.

RESULTS

The study included 190 participants composed mainly of women, white, and middle-class individuals. The best ALM predictive performance was achieved by a model based on two "lengths" (height and arm length), two circumferences (dominant arm and thigh), and two ultrasound-measured MTs (dominant arm and thigh): R² = 0.90, limits of agreement: ±2.36 kg. Closely satisfactory results were also achieved by an "abbreviated" model composed by the two aforementioned "lengths" and MTs (R² = 0.89, limits of agreement: ±2.51 kg). ALM estimates from both equations were unbiased and similar to DXA measurements (P = 0.13 and 0.09, respectively). Bootstrap analysis favorably suggested the validity of the models.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on two ultrasound assessments and a few anthropometric measurements, the developed equations produced accurate and unbiased ALM estimates in the sample. Hence: 2 MTs + 2 lengths (+ 2 circumferences) = 4 limbs' muscle mass. Such models might represent promising alternatives for muscle assessment among older individuals.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Sarcopenia: Where Do We Stand?

The link between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and sarcopenia has not been extensively studied, but it is evident that they share several common features. Crucial mechanisms involved in sarcopenia-nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) interplay are based on effects of insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and crosstalk between organs by secretion of cytokines (hepatokines, adipokines, and myokines). Currently, published studies confirm the association of sarcopenia with the degree of NAFLD defined by liver histology. However, prospective studies that will give us information regarding the causal effect of NAFLD and sarcopenia are still needed. Furthermore, there is a need for a patient-friendly, noninvasive, low-cost method for detection of loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and physical performance in the context of NAFLD. Moreover, potential treatment strategies such as physical exercise and nutritional supplementation, that are usually a part of management of sarcopenia, should also be investigated in NAFLD patients, especially given the fact that for now, we do not have a good treatment option for NAFLD. Therefore, future investigations should combine studies on NAFLD and sarcopenia in terms of physical activity and nutritional interventions such as vitamin D supplementation. This review aims to report recent evidence concerning the links between sarcopenia and NAFLD and methods to assess sarcopenia.

Ultrasound imaging for sarcopenia, spasticity and painful muscle syndromes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

On the basis of its various advantages and the relevant awareness of physicians, ultrasound imaging has overwhelmingly taken its place in the scientific arena. This is true both from the side of daily clinical applications and also from the side of research. Yet, ultrasound provides real-time (diagnostic) imaging and (interventional) guidance for a wide spectrum of muscle disorders. In this regard, this review aims to discuss the potential/actual utility of ultrasound imaging in particular muscle disorders, that is, sarcopenia, spasticity and fibromyalgia/myofascial pain syndrome.

RECENT FINDINGS

Due to the aging population worldwide and the importance of functionality in the older population, mounting interest has been given to the diagnosis and management of sarcopenia in the recent literature. Likewise, several articles started to report that ultrasound imaging can be used conveniently and effectively in the early diagnosis and quantification of sarcopenia.For spasticity, aside from ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin injections, intriguing attention has been paid to sonographic evaluation of muscle architecture, echogenicity and elasticity in the follow-up of these chronic conditions.As regards painful muscle syndromes, quantitative ultrasound techniques have been shown to detect statistically significant differences between healthy controls and patients with myofascial pain syndrome.

SUMMARY

Ultrasound imaging seems to be a promising tool that indisputably deserves further research in the management of a wide range of muscle disorders. VIDEO ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/COSPC/A17.

The Role of Ultrasound as a Diagnostic Tool for Sarcopenia

Sarcopenia is the progressive loss of skeletal mass and strength, particularly in older adults, with consequent reduction in function and independence. Changing population demographics, have resulted in increased prevalence of sarcopenia and this is associated with a considerable economic burden. Whilst simple, effective, non-intrusive management of this condition exists, no routine diagnosis takes place either in the UK or in many other countries, partly due to an absence of pragmatic clinical diagnostic tools to support the early identification of the syndrome. This position paper aims to provide a short overview proposing the potential case for developing ultrasound as a new and alternative diagnostic tool for identifying sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia: revised European consensus on definition and diagnosis

Background

in 2010, the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) published a sarcopenia definition that aimed to foster advances in identifying and caring for people with sarcopenia. In early 2018, the Working Group met again (EWGSOP2) to update the original definition in order to reflect scientific and clinical evidence that has built over the last decade. This paper presents our updated findings.

Objectives

to increase consistency of research design, clinical diagnoses and ultimately, care for people with sarcopenia.

Recommendations

sarcopenia is a muscle disease (muscle failure) rooted in adverse muscle changes that accrue across a lifetime; sarcopenia is common among adults of older age but can also occur earlier in life. In this updated consensus paper on sarcopenia, EWGSOP2: (1) focuses on low muscle strength as a key characteristic of sarcopenia, uses detection of low muscle quantity and quality to confirm the sarcopenia diagnosis, and identifies poor physical performance as indicative of severe sarcopenia; (2) updates the clinical algorithm that can be used for sarcopenia case-finding, diagnosis and confirmation, and severity determination and (3) provides clear cut-off points for measurements of variables that identify and characterise sarcopenia.

Conclusions

EWGSOP2's updated recommendations aim to increase awareness of sarcopenia and its risk. With these new recommendations, EWGSOP2 calls for healthcare professionals who treat patients at risk for sarcopenia to take actions that will promote early detection and treatment. We also encourage more research in the field of sarcopenia in order to prevent or delay adverse health outcomes that incur a heavy burden for patients and healthcare systems.

Magnetic resonance imaging-measured skeletal muscle mass to fat-free mass ratio increases with increasing levels of fat-free mass

BACKGROUND

To investigate the skeletal muscle mass to fat-free mass (SM-FFM) ratio in female and male athletes, as well as to examine the relationship between ultrasound predicted SM and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-measured SM.

METHODS

Seven female track and field athletes (female), 8 male collegiate swimmers (male-G1) and 8 male collegiate Olympic weightlifters (male-G2) volunteered. Whole-body SM volume was measured using MRI images obtained from the first cervical vertebra to the ankle joints. The volume of SM tissue was calculated and the SM volume was converted into mass units by an assumed skeletal muscle density. Muscle thickness was measured using ultrasound at nine sites and SM was estimated using an ultrasound-derived prediction equation.

RESULTS

Percent body fat was similar among the groups. FFM, MRI-measured SM and SM-FFM ratio were greater in Males-G2 compared to the other two groups and those variables of Male-G1 were higher than the Female group. There was an excellent correlation (r=0.976) between MRI-measured and ultrasound-predicted SM (total error=1.52 kg). No significant difference was observed between MRI-measured and ultrasound-predicted SM in the overall sample or within each group. The SM-FFM ratio was positively correlated (r=0.708) with FFM in female and male athletes.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide evidence for how the MRI-measured SM-FFM ratio changes with increasing levels of FFM and provide data that the ultrasound may be useful in estimating SM in athletes. Given the size limitations with MRI, both of these findings may be useful for future research investigating large sized athletes.

Estimation of individual thigh muscle volumes from a single-slice muscle cross-sectional area and muscle thickness using magnetic resonance imaging in patients with knee osteoarthritis

PURPOSE

This study aimed to identify the best single-slice anatomical muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and muscle thickness (MT) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to estimate the overall individual muscle volumes (MVs) of knee extensors and flexors in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

METHODS

Twelve patients (24 legs; 4 men and 8 women) with KOA underwent a 1.5-Tesla axial MRI scan in the femoral region of interest (ROI), between the lesser trochanter and rectus femoris tendon. Individual MVs were calculated by numerical integration based on individual CSAs analyzed at the ROI. The best slice was determined as follows: coefficient of determination ( R²) between MVs measured and those estimated from the femoral length (FL) × CSAs or FL × MTs measured at each 10% interval level of the ROI. These estimation equations were applied for a cross-validation group (24 KOA patients: 12 men and 12 women).

RESULTS

Estimated individual MVs of knee extensors and flexors, based on the CSAs at the distal 10% level, significantly correlated with each of the measured individual MVs ( R²: 0.79-0.96, p < 0.05 for all). Similarly, estimated individual knee extensor MVs, based on MTs at the mid-slice, significantly correlated with each of the measured individual MVs ( R²: 0.77-0.84, p < 0.05 for all). The application of the developed regression equation to the cross-validation group did not exhibit any systematic bias.

CONCLUSION

These simple methods could be applied in prospective research with a larger number of patients with KOA.

Differences in 100-m sprint performance and skeletal muscle mass between elite male and female sprinters

BACKGROUND

The sex difference in 100-m sprint performance between the world's best athletes is approximately 10%. We hypothesized that skeletal muscle mass (SM) relative to body mass may be a major factor contributing to this difference. The aim of this study was to examine the sex difference in absolute and relative SM and sprint performance in male and female sprinters.

METHODS

We analyzed the SM of male (N.=37) and female (N.=26) 100-m sprinters; the sample was divided into two subgroups within each sex according to personal best 100-m time: 10.00-10.90 s (M10; N.=22) and 11.00-11.70 s (M11; N.=15) for males and 11.00-11.90 s (F11, N.=14) and 12.00-13.50 s (F12, N.=12) for females. SM was estimated from ultrasound-measured muscle thickness (MT) using prediction equations.

RESULTS

There was an approximate 10% difference in 100-m sprint time between sexes, whereas absolute and relative values of SM for female sprinters were 70-71% and 79-84% of the male sprinters, respectively. No differences were observed within each male/female subgroup for fat-free mass, absolute and relative SM, excepting that leg SM index of M10 was higher than M11. The 100-m time was not different (0.27 s, P=0.051) between M11 and F11 subgroups, but absolute and relative values of SM and MT were higher and percent body fat was lower in the M11 than in the F11 subgroup.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that differences in muscle mass may not play a large role in determining successful performance in elite male and female sprinters.

Physical Therapy Considerations for Chronic Kidney Disease and Secondary Sarcopenia

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition that may negatively affect musculoskeletal health. These comorbidities may include malnutrition, osteoporosis, and decreased lean body mass. Secondary sarcopenia due to CKD may be associated with mobility limitations and elevated fall risk. Physical therapists are well-positioned among the health care team to screen for secondary sarcopenia in those with CKD and for the treatment of musculoskeletal comorbid conditions that may affect functional performance. Given the consequences of both low muscle mass and low bone mineral density, appropriate and timely physical therapy is important for fall risk assessment and intervention to minimize the susceptibility to bone fracture. While strength training has been studied less frequently than aerobic training for the management of secondary CKD conditions, evidence suggests that this patient population benefits from participation in strength training programs. However, the provision of a formal exercise prescription by a health care professional, along with formal implementation of an exercise program, may need to be more fully integrated into the standard plan of care for individuals with CKD.

Muscle Mass, Quality, and Composition Changes During Atrophy and Sarcopenia

Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and muscle strengh reach their peak in 20s to 40s of age in human life and then decrease with advancing age. The decrease rate of muscle strength or power was twice to four times as large as that of the SMM. Thus, the normalized muscle force (muscle strength divided by SMM) also decreases in aging. It depends on the number of factors in skeletal muscle tissues and neuromuscular system. In human study, SMM cannot be measured directly without dissection so that all of the methodologies are indirect methods to assess SMM, even computing tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, ultrasonography, anthropometry, and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) are used as secondary indirect methods to estimate SMM. Recent researches show muscle composition changes in aging, and in particular, the ratio of muscle cell mass (MCM) against SMM decrease and relative expansion of extracellular water (ECW) and extracellular space is observed with advancing age and/or decrease of physical function. The intracellular water (ICW) and ECW estimated by segmental bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy or multifrequency BIA are good biomarkers of the ratio of MCM against SMM in limbs. The BIS and other state-of-the-art technology for assessment of muscle mass, quality, and composition are useful to fully understand the muscle atrophy in a living organism.

Fully Automated Muscle Ultrasound Analysis (MUSA): Robust and Accurate Muscle Thickness Measurement

Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging allows non-invasive measurement of skeletal muscle thickness. Current techniques generally suffer from manual operator dependency, while all the computer-aided approaches are limited to be semi-automatic or specifically optimized for a single muscle. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a fully automatic method, named MUSA (Muscle UltraSound Analysis), for measurement of muscle thickness on longitudinal ultrasound images acquired from different skeletal muscles. The MUSA algorithm was tested on a database of 200 B-mode ultrasound images of rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, tibialis anterior and medial gastrocnemius. The automatic muscle thickness measurements were compared to the manual measurements obtained by three operators. The MUSA algorithm achieved a 100% segmentation success rate, with mean differences between the automatic and manual measurements in the range of 0.06-0.45 mm. MUSA performance was statistically equal to the operators and its measurement accuracy was independent of the muscle thickness value.

Validation of Bedside Ultrasound of Muscle Layer Thickness of the Quadriceps in the Critically Ill Patient (VALIDUM Study)

BACKGROUND

In critically ill patients, muscle atrophy is associated with long-term disability and mortality. Bedside ultrasound may quantify muscle mass, but it has not been validated in the intensive care unit (ICU). Here, we compared ultrasound-based quadriceps muscle layer thickness (QMLT) with precise quantifications of computed tomography (CT)-based muscle cross-sectional area (CSA).

METHODS

Patients ≥18 years old with abdominal CT scans performed for clinical reasons were recruited from 9 ICUs for an ultrasound assessment of the quadriceps. CT scans of the third lumbar vertebra, performed <24 hours before or <72 hours after ICU admission, were analyzed for CSA. Low muscularity was defined as 170 cm² for men and 110 cm² for women. The ultrasound probe was maximally compressed against the skin and QMLT was measured on 2 sites of each quadriceps <72 hours of the CT scan.

RESULTS

Mean CT-derived muscle CSA was 109 ± 25 cm² for women and 168 ± 37 cm² for men, where 58% of patients exhibited low muscularity; only 2.7% patients were underweight according to body mass index. QMLT was positively correlated with CT CSA ( r = 0.45, P < .001). Based on logistic regression to predict low muscularity, QMLT independently generated a concordance index ( c) of 0.67 ( P < .002), which increased to 0.77 ( P < .001) when age, sex, body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and admission type (surgical vs medical) were added.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that QMLT alone with our current protocol may not accurately identify patients with low muscle mass.

Body Composition Tools for Assessment of Adult Malnutrition at the Bedside: A Tutorial on Research Considerations and Clinical Applications

Because of the key role played by the body's lean tissue reserves (of which skeletal muscle is a major component) in the response to injury and illness, its maintenance is of central importance to nutrition status. With the recent development of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics/American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition diagnostic framework for malnutrition, the loss of muscle mass has been recognized as one of the defining criteria. Objective methods to evaluate muscle loss in individuals with acute and chronic illness are needed. Bioimpedance and ultrasound techniques are currently the best options for the clinical setting; however, additional research is needed to investigate how best to optimize measurements and minimize error and to establish if these techniques (and which specific approaches) can uniquely contribute to the assessment of malnutrition, beyond more subjective evaluation methods. In this tutorial, key concepts and statistical methods used in the validation of bedside methods to assess lean tissue compartments are discussed. Body composition assessment methods that are most widely available for practice and research in the clinical setting are presented, and clinical cases are used to illustrate how the clinician might use bioimpedance and/or ultrasound as a tool to assess nutrition status at the bedside. Future research needs regarding malnutrition assessment are identified.

New ultrasonography-based method for predicting total skeletal muscle mass in male athletes

[Purpose] This study aimed 1) to assess whether a prediction model for whole body skeletal muscle mass that is based on a sedentary population is applicable to young male athletes, and 2) to develop a new skeletal muscle mass prediction model for young male athletes. [Subjects and Methods] The skeletal muscle mass of 61 male athletes was measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and estimated using a previous prediction model (Sanada et al., 2006) with B-mode ultrasonography. The prediction model was not suitable for young male athletes, as a significant difference was observed between the means of the estimated and MRI-measured skeletal muscle mass. Next, the same subjects were randomly assigned to a development or validation group, and a new model specifically relevant to young male athletes was developed based on MRI and ultrasound data obtained from the development group. [Results] A strong correlation was observed between the skeletal muscle mass estimated by the new model and the MRI-measured skeletal muscle mass (r=0.96) in the validation group, without significant difference between their means. No bias was found in the new model using Bland-Altman analysis (r=−0.25). [Conclusion] These results validate the new model and suggest that ultrasonography is a reliable method for measuring skeletal muscle mass in young male athletes.

Neuromuscular function in different stages of sarcopenia

This study applied the screening tool developed by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) on seniors aged over 65years and concurrently tested various laboratory-based indices of neuromuscular function. Twenty-four healthy and independent living older adults (9 men, 15 women) with a mean age of 79.1±5.8years participated. Based on gait speed, handgrip strength and muscle mass all subjects were categorized into one of the three conceptual sarcopenia stages (pre-sarcopenia, sarcopenia, severe sarcopenia). Maximal strength of dorsiflexors in the left leg was measured and voluntary activation was assessed by the interpolated twitch technique. In addition, isometric evoked contractile properties were recorded. Skeletal muscle mass was assessed by ultrasound from nine sites. There were roughly equal number of subjects in each sarcopenic category, and age was not different among the 3 groups. There were no differences in handgrip strength and skeletal muscle mass index among the 3 groups. Gait speed was significantly slower (p<0.01) in the severe sarcopenic subjects compared to the pre-sarcopenic group. With no differences in voluntary activation among the groups, the maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) for severe sarcopenic subjects were 29% lower (p=0.02) and with 19% slower (p=0.02) voluntary rates of torque development (RTD) compared to sarcopenic subjects. Furthermore, the severe group was 34% lower (p=0.04) with 36% slower (p=0.02) RTD compared to pre-sarcopenic subjects. Peak twitch tension was 54% lower (p<0.01) in the severe group compared with the pre-sarcopenic group. Maximal twitch RTD were 40% (p=0.03) slower for the severe group compared to the sarcopenia group, and 51% slower (p=0.03) compared with the pre-sarcopenia group, but when normalized to peak torques there were no statistical differences. The laboratory tests found neuromuscular differences among the 3 groups which generally supported the classification scheme and helped to illustrate some key factors that could explain differences in functional capacities. These initial findings support the assumption that this categorization is relevant for identifying older adults with different neuromuscular properties. However, further studies are needed to provide more insight into the specific neuromuscular changes in the three sarcopenia stages, and how these changes relate to functional capacity. Such studies could ultimately contribute to identifying optimal interventions to improve neuromuscular functioning.

Prediction and validation of DXA-derived appendicular lean soft tissue mass by ultrasound in older adults

The purpose of this study was to develop regression-based prediction equations for estimating dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived appendicular lean soft tissue mass (aLM) using ultrasound and to investigate the validity of these equations in 102 Caucasian adults aged 50 to 76 years. The subjects were randomly separated into two groups: 71 in the model-development group (41 men and 30 women) and 31 in the cross-validation group (18 men and 13 women). aLM was measured using a DXA, and muscle thickness (MT) was measured using ultrasound at 9 sites. Stepwise linear regression analysis was used to determine predictive models for DXA-derived aLM from MT variables, sex, and age. A number of ultrasound prediction equations for estimation of aLM were developed and then cross-validated in a subsample of older adults. The results indicated that ultrasound MT and MT × height can be used to accurately and reliably estimate DXA-derived aLM in older Caucasian adults.

Skeletal muscle mass and quality: evolution of modern measurement concepts in the context of sarcopenia

The first reports of accurate skeletal muscle mass measurement in human subjects appeared at about the same time as introduction of the sarcopenia concept in the late 1980s. Since then these methods, computed tomography and MRI, have been used to gain insights into older (i.e. anthropometry and urinary markers) and more recently developed and refined methods (ultrasound, bioimpedance analysis and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) of quantifying regional and total body skeletal muscle mass. The objective of this review is to describe the evolution of these methods and their continued development in the context of sarcopenia evaluation and treatment. Advances in these technologies are described with a focus on additional quantifiable measures that relate to muscle composition and 'quality'. The integration of these collective evaluations with strength and physical performance indices is highlighted with linkages to evaluation of sarcopenia and the spectrum of related disorders such as sarcopenic obesity, cachexia and frailty. Our findings show that currently available methods and those in development are capable of non-invasively extending measures from solely 'mass' to quality evaluations that promise to close the gaps now recognised between skeletal muscle mass and muscle function, morbidity and mortality. As the largest tissue compartment in most adults, skeletal muscle mass and aspects of muscle composition can now be evaluated by a wide array of technologies that provide important new research and clinical opportunities aligned with the growing interest in the spectrum of conditions associated with sarcopenia.