STAR—Sonographic Thigh Adjustment Ratio

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study was to explore an individualized sonographic muscle thickness ratio and its cutoff values in the diagnosis of sarcopenia. Design A total of 326 community-dwelling adults were included in this cross-sectional study. Total skeletal muscle mass was evaluated by bioelectrical impedance analysis, and nine-site muscle thickness measurements using ultrasound. Isometric handgrip and knee extension strengths were assessed. Physical performance was evaluated by usual Gait Speed, Chair Stand Test, and Timed Up and Go Test. Results Because the anterior thigh muscle thickness was the most significantly decreasing measurement with aging and the most significantly related value with body mass and height; sonographic thigh adjustment ratio was calculated by dividing it with body mass index. Using the two standard deviation values of our healthy young adults, sonographic thigh adjustment ratio cutoff values were found as 1.4 and 1.0 for male and female subjects, respectively. Sonographic thigh adjustment ratio values were negatively correlated with Chair Stand Test and Timed Up and Go Test in both sexes (all P < 0.05) and positively correlated with gait speed in female subjects and knee extension strength in male subjects (both P < 0.05). Conclusions Our results imply that regional (rather than total) muscle mass measurements should be taken into consideration for the diagnosis of sarcopenia.

Ultrasonography in Sarcopenic Obesity: “Good Looking” But Wrong Buttoning of the First Button

“…We congratulate them for taking notice on ultrasound (US) measurements in the diagnosis of sarcopenia. Since sarcopenia affects regional rather than total muscle mass and, additionally, as fat mass in obese individuals can affect the total measurements, we agree with the authors in regard to the convenient and prompt use of US for regional measurements 2 . However, we need to make some comments concerning their study design.…”

Sarcopenia and COVID-19

“…Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle mass and function as well as a significant determinant of physical frailty. 8 Sarcopenia is a major global health problem that is highly common in elderly. It has been suggested that the classical RAS pathway plays an essential role in mechanisms causing muscle wasting in chronic disease states.…”

“… 12 , 13 It has been found that ACEI users had higher lower limb muscle mass than those using other antihypertensive drugs. 8 Additionally, continuous use of ACEIs have been found preventive in terms of gait speed and knee extensor muscle strength after a 3-year follow-up. 12 , 13 …”

Revisiting vitamin D and home-based exercises for patients with sleep apnea facing the COVID-19 quarantine

“…Herein, sarcopenia can be defined as the age-related loss of muscle mass and function, which is the physical determinant of frailty. 1 Frailty refers to the multisystem impairment related to increased susceptibility to endogenous or exogenous stressors and infections. In this sense, preventive treatments (eg, vitamin D and exercise) for sarcopenia and frailty are noteworthy during the longlasting quarantine days of COVID-19.…”