Using ultrasound to investigate sarcopenia in foot muscles

Abstract

Introduction: Sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) is a global phenomenon that is worsening due to our aging population. Hence, preserving the independence and physical function of older population should be a primary health priority. Although often neglected, the foot muscles are vital to maintaining physical functioning, whereby toe muscle weakness is an independent predictor of falls in older people. Muscle atrophy has been detected in numerous muscles of the lower limb in older adults, including the tricep surae muscle group. It is speculated that muscles within the feet, including those that control the toes, also suffer from atrophy with ageing. However, there is a paucity of literature characterising foot muscle morphology in older people. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the muscle size of the toe flexor muscles of older adults relative to their younger counterparts.