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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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Open Access 01-05-2019 | Sarcopenia | Original Article

Muscle quality as a complementary prognostic tool in conjunction with sarcopenia assessment in younger and older individuals

Authors: Matthew J. Lees, Oliver J. Wilson, Karen Hind, Theocharis Ispoglou

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 5/2019

Abstract

Purpose

This pilot study investigated differences in lean tissue mass, muscle strength, muscle quality (strength per unit of muscle mass; MQ), and functional performance in healthy younger and older individuals. The most robust predictors of appendicular lean mass (ALM) were then determined in each group.

Methods

Fifty younger (18–45 years) and 50 older (60–80 years) participants completed tests of upper and lower body strength alongside body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry from which upper- and lower-body MQ were estimated. Available cut-points for older people were used to determine low upper-body MQ in both groups. Low lower-body MQ was determined as at least two standard deviations below the mean of the younger group. Functional performance was assessed by gait speed. Sarcopenia was identified using two established definitions.

Results

Upper and lower body strength, ALM, lower-body MQ and gait speed were significantly higher in the younger group (all p < 0.002). Sarcopenia was identified in 2–4% of the older group. Low upper-body MQ was evident in 32% and 42% of the younger and older group, respectively. Low lower-body MQ was observed in 4% of younger participants, and 50% of older participants. In both groups, the most robust predictors of ALM were upper and lower body strength (young R² = 0.74, 0.82; older R² = 0.68, 0.72).

Conclusions

Low MQ despite low prevalence rates of sarcopenia in both groups suggests a need for age-specific MQ cut-points. Muscle quality assessments might be useful complementary prognostic tools alongside existing sarcopenia definitions.

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Title: Muscle quality as a complementary prognostic tool in conjunction with sarcopenia assessment in younger and older individuals
Authors: Matthew J. Lees
Oliver J. Wilson
Karen Hind
Theocharis Ispoglou
Publication date: 01-05-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: Sarcopenia
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 5/2019
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-019-04107-8

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

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Muscle quality as a complementary prognostic tool in conjunction with sarcopenia assessment in younger and older individuals

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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