Measurement Of Muscle Mass Research Articles

Nutritional intervention to enhance recovery after arthroscopic knee surgery in adults: a randomized controlled pilot trial.

Essential amino acid (EAA) and omega-3 fatty acid ingestion independently attenuate leg skeletal muscle disuse atrophy in uninjured persons. However, no data exist regarding the effectiveness of combined EAA and omega-3 fatty acid ingestion to mitigate skeletal muscle disuse atrophy in response to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) surgery. This pilot trial will explore the feasibility of recruitment and retention of ACLR outpatients from a single center across 18 months to consume either a combination of omega-3 fatty acids and EAAs, or a placebo control, for 4 weeks before and 2 weeks after surgery. Thirty adult (≥ 18 years old) ACLR outpatients will be recruited for this single center, double-blind, two-arm randomized controlled feasibility pilot trial. Participants will consume either 5 g⋅day-1 of omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) and 40 g⋅day-1 of EAAs or 5 g⋅day-1 of a control fatty acid mixture (safflower oil) and 40 g⋅day-1 of non-essential amino acids (NEAAs). Fatty acid supplements will be consumed 4 weeks before and for 2 weeks after ACLR surgery, whereas the EAAs and NEAAs will be consumed 1 week before and for 2 weeks after ACLR surgery. The primary outcomes are feasibility of recruitment and retention, with the goal to recruit 30 outpatients across 18 months and retain 22 participants upon completion of the study protocol following 12 weeks of data collection. These results will be reported using descriptive statistics, along with reasons and timepoints for study dropout. Secondary exploratory outcomes will be reported using inferential statistics for purposes of hypothesis generation and elucidation of mechanistic targets for future work; no inferences to clinical efficacy will be made. These outcomes include integrated rates of skeletal muscle protein synthesis, skeletal muscle protein content and expression of translation factors, skeletal muscle and erythrocyte phospholipid composition, and measures of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and power. This work will set the foundation for a future randomized controlled trialpowered to detect an effect of EAA + omega-3 fatty acid intake on skeletal muscle size or function in response to ACLR surgery. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06233825. Registered 31 January 2024. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06233825?term=NCT06233825&rank=1.

Prognostic Value of Sarcopenia Definitions and Outcomes Consortium Criteria in Older Patients With Heart Failure

ObjectivesThe Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia in 2019 (AWGS 2019) emphasized muscle mass measurements. In contrast, the Sarcopenia Definitions and Outcomes Consortium (SDOC) prioritizes functional strength and mobility. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the prognostic utility of the SDOC and AWGS 2019 criteria for all-cause mortality in older patients with heart failure. DesignA post hoc analysis of the FRAGILE-HF study, a prospective, multicenter, observational study. Setting and ParticipantsPatients ≥65 years of age hospitalized for heart failure across 15 hospitals in Japan. MethodsSarcopenia was diagnosed according to the AWGS 2019 and SDOC definitions. According to the SDOC criteria and by integrating insights from previous research, patients were categorized into nonsarcopenia, possible sarcopenia, and sarcopenia groups. The primary outcome was 2-year mortality. ResultsOf the 1282 study patients, possible sarcopenia and sarcopenia were diagnosed in 357 and 786 individuals, respectively. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed a significant difference between the groups. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards analysis indicated a significant stepwise association between sarcopenic status and mortality risk (possible sarcopenia: hazard ratio, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.66–2.28; P = .525; sarcopenia: hazard ratio, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.08–3.34; P = .027). When sarcopenia defined by the SDOC and AWGS 2019 criteria was added to the model incorporating conventional risk factors, no significant difference was observed in the prognostic capabilities between the 2 models (net reclassification improvement, −0.009; 95% CI, −0.193 to 0.174; P = .920, with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.697 for SDOC and 0.703 for AWGS 2019; P = .675). Conclusions and ImplicationsAmong older patients with heart failure, the SDOC criteria for sarcopenia diagnosis are useful for risk stratification and provide prognostic capabilities equivalent to those of the AWGS 2019 criteria.

The effect of unaffected side resistance training on upper limb function reconstruction and prevention of sarcopenia in stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial

Aging has made stroke a top killer and disabler, with post-stroke sarcopenia worsening disability and quality of life. While resistance training benefits the elderly, its impact on stroke patients is understudied. This study evaluates the potential of a 4-week unilateral resistance training (URT) program to prevent sarcopenia in stroke patients. It assesses the impact of URT on hand grip strength (HG), muscle thickness (MT), upper limb functionality, and the psychological status of the patients. The study aims to quantitatively analyze these indicators to inform evidence-based post-stroke rehabilitation practices. This study employed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 77 eligible stroke survivors, equally allocated into a control group (n = 39) and an intervention group (n = 38). The control group received standard rehabilitation, while the intervention group additionally underwent a 4-week URT program. The primary outcomes were unaffected side HG and MT, measuring muscle mass and function. Secondary outcomes included the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) for upper limb functionality and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) for psychological well-being changes. Statistical analysis showed significant differences (p < 0. 05) in all measured parameters between the intervention and control groups after the 4-week period. Intra-group comparisons also indicated substantial improvements (p < 0. 05). Unilateral resistance training significantly mitigates muscle atrophy in stroke patients, preventing sarcopenia and enhancing upper limb function. It also ameliorates depressive symptoms, improving rehabilitation outcomes and overall quality of life.

Comparing bioimpedance spectrometry and traditional creatinine kinetics methods for the assessment of muscle mass in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Sarcopenia is a common and serious problem in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD). Lean tissue mass (LTM) by bioimpedance spectrometry is a reasonably accurate method for measuring muscle mass. Fat-free edema-free body mass (FEBM) as determined by the creatinine kinetics method is a traditional method but evidence to support its use is limited. We studied 198 new PD patients. Their serial LTM and FEBM were reviewed and compared by the Bland and Altman method. Multi-variable regression model was used to determine factors associated with the disparity between the two methods. There was a significant but moderate correlation between LTM and FEBM (r=0.309, P<.0001). LTM was consistently higher than FEBM, with an average difference 13.98kg (95% confidence interval -5.90 to 33.86kg), and the difference strongly correlated with LTM (r=0.781, P<.0001). By multivariable linear regression analysis, LTM and residual renal function were independent predictors of the LTM-FEBM difference. Where the measurements were repeated in 12months, there was no significant correlation between ∆LTM and ∆FEBM (r=-0.031, P=.799). There is a significant difference between LTM and FFBM. This discrepancy correlated with LTM and residual renal function, highlighting the limitations of FFBM in assessing skeletal muscle mass.

Blood Flow Restriction Training and Its Use in Rehabilitation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background/Objectives: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) is often followed by significant muscle atrophy and subsequent loss of strength. Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) has recently emerged as a potential mode of rehabilitation to mitigate these effects. The goal of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy of BFRT in functional recovery when compared to traditional rehabilitation methods. Methods: A literature review was conducted across July and August 2024 using multiple databases that reported randomised controlled trials comparing BFRT to traditional rehabilitation methods. Primary outcomes were changes to thigh muscle mass and knee extensor/flexor strength with secondary outcomes consisting of patient-reported functional measures (IKDC and Lysholm scores). The RoB-2 tool was used to assess the risk of bias. Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria; however, substantial heterogeneity prevented a meta-analysis being conducted for the primary outcomes. Three out of the five studies measuring muscle mass reported significant (p &lt; 0.05) findings favouring BFRT. There was variation amongst the strength improvements, but BFRT was generally favoured over the control. Meta analysis of the secondary outcomes showed significant improvements (p &lt; 0.05) favouring BFRT despite moderate heterogeneity. Conclusions: BFRT shows promise for maintaining muscle mass and improving patient reported outcomes following ACL reconstruction. However, the high risk of bias limits the strength of these conclusions. Further high-quality research needs to be conducted to establish optimal BFRT protocols for this cohort and to determine if BFRT has a place in ACL rehabilitation.

The use of portable A-mode ultrasound in appendicular lean mass measurements among older adults: a comparison study with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and handgrip strength.

Strength and muscle mass are key factors for the diagnosis of sarcopenia. The EWGSOP2 recommended using ultrasound (US) as a reliable device to measure muscle mass (MM), but A-mode US still needs to be validated for older adults. This study aimed to evaluate the association between measurements of muscle thickness (MT) by portable A-mode US and, muscle quantity by Dual-Energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in older adults. Cross-sectional study, with 115 participants included. Muscle mass was assessed by DXA and MT of the biceps, triceps, anterior thigh, and calf by A-mode US and handgrip strength by a dynamometer. The majority were women (n = 96; 83%), 69 ± 6 years. The MT sum (biceps, triceps, thigh, and calf) assessed by the US was not associated with the appendicular lean mass (ALM) assessed by DXA after controlling for sex and age (R2 = 0.524; p = 0.139; effect size = 0.53). The MT sum biceps and triceps was still significantly associated with MM arms/2 even when controlling for sex and age (which were also significant) (R2 = 0.551; p < 0.001; effect size = 0.56). The MT sum thigh and calf was not associated with MM legs/2 in adjusted models (R2 = 0.499; p = 0.688; effect size = 0.51). This finding shows that the portable A-mode US may not be an appropriate method for estimating MM in extremities (the sum of arms and legs), but can be appropriate for estimating only MM arms in healthy older adults.

Upper limb SMI for sarcopenia diagnosis in liver cirrhosis

Introduction. The muscle mass in sarcopenia is assessed in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) using skeletal muscle indices (SMI) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), the results of which are distorted due to lower limb edema. This requires the development of upper limb SMI (UL SMI) to ensure more accurate assessment of muscle mass in patients with LC and ascitice-dematous syndrome.Aim. To compare the diagnostic accuracy of standard MSI and UL SMI, and develop criteria for the reference range of UL SMI in patients with decompensated LC of various origin and sarcopenia, taking into account the lower limb edema in comparable age groups.Materials and methods. A prospective cohort study was conducted. The treatment group included patients with decompensated LC and lower limb edema of various origin; the control group included healthy volunteers matched to patients by gender and age to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the technique and calculate the criteria for the reference ranges in UP SMI. All patients underwent measurements of muscle mass by DXA.Results. A total of 59 patients were examined: 39 patients with LC and 20 healthy volunteers. Based on the results of the ROC analysis, it was determined that the cut-off values for UL SMI are 1.91 kg/m2 for men (sensitivity = 62.5%, specificity = 85.71%) and 1.47 kg/m2 for women (sensitivity = 86.96%, specificity = 69.23%) as compared to the cut-off values for the standard SMI of 7.78 kg/m2 for men (sensitivity = 75% and specificity = 57.14%), and SMI of 6.05 kg/m2 for women (sensitivity = 56.52% and specificity = 69.23%). UL SMI is a more accurate marker of sarcopenia in patients with LC and lower limb edema than the standard SMI.Conclusion. The advantages of UL SMI over classical SMI for sarcopenia diagnosis in patients with cirrhosis and lower extremity edema were demonstrated. The UL SMI criteria for the reference range in patients with decompensated LC and sarcopenia were developed.

Evaluation of a fully automated computed tomography image segmentation method for fast and accurate body composition measurements

IntroductionBody composition evaluation can be used to assess patients’ nutritional status to predict clinical outcomes. To facilitate reliable and time-efficient body composition measurements eligible for clinical practice, fully automated computed tomography segmentation methods were developed. The aim of this study was to evaluate automated segmentation by Data Analysis Facilitation Suite in an independent dataset. Materials and methodsPreoperative computed tomography images were used of 165 patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy from 2014 to 2019. Manual and automated measurements of skeletal muscle mass (SMM), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) were performed at the third lumbar vertebra. Segmentation accuracy of automated measurements was assessed using the Jaccard index and intra-class correlation coefficients. ResultsAutomatic segmentation provided accurate measurements compared to manual analysis, resulting in Jaccard score coefficients of 94.9 for SMM, 98.4 for VAT, 99.1 for SAT, and 79.4 for IMAT. Intra-class correlation coefficients ranged from 0.98 to 1.00. Automated measurements on average overestimated SMM and SAT areas compared to manual analysis, with mean differences (±2 standard deviations) of 1.10 (–1.91 to 4.11) and 1.61 (–2.26 to 5.48) respectively. For VAT and IMAT, automated measurements on average underestimated the areas with mean differences of –1.24 (–3.35 to 0.87) and –0.93 (–5.20 to 3.35), respectively. ConclusionsCommercially available Data Analysis Facilitation Suite provides similar results compared to manual measurements of body composition at the level of third lumbar vertebra. This software provides accurate and time-efficient body composition measurements, which is necessary for implementation in clinical practice.

Effects of Dietary Nitrate Supplementation on Physical Performance and Muscle Strength in Older People—A Systematic Review

ABSTRACTBackgroundSarcopenia, the loss of muscle strength and mass with age, is a major cause of morbidity for older people. Dietary nitrate supplementation has been proposed as an intervention to improve skeletal muscle function via action as nitric oxide (NO) donors. However, the effect of nitrate supplementation on physical performance and muscle strength in older people is unclear. We aimed to systematically review evidence on whether dietary nitrate supplementation improves markers of muscle strength, muscle mass and physical performance in older people.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of randomised controlled trials according to a prespecified protocol by two reviewers. We included interventional studies using dietary nitrate supplementation, mean participant age of &gt;60 years, with or without muscle weakness. Outcomes of interest were physical performance, muscle strength and muscle mass. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified version of the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Results were grouped by intervention and outcome measures and were described by narrative synthesis.ResultsTwenty‐eight studies were included, with a size range of 8–72 participants. Intervention duration ranged from a single dose to 12 weeks. Seven studies were in healthy older people. Most studies had a high or unclear risk of bias; three had a low risk of bias. One‐hundred‐two outcomes were reported; 67 were related to physical performance, and 35 were related to muscle strength. No included study measured muscle mass. Thirty‐three outcomes showed significant improvement, two showed significant worsening and 67 showed no statistically significant difference. Meta‐analysis was not possible due to data heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses for different doses of nitrate (above or below 10 mmol nitrate per day), duration of treatment or specific commonly measured outcomes did not indicate any subgroup more likely to show positive results. The proportion of positive outcomes was similar in studies using beetroot extract, nitrate alone or exercise as a co‐intervention.ConclusionsCurrent evidence is insufficient to decide if dietary nitrate supplementation improves skeletal muscle function in older people. Future studies should be longer, larger and target older people with sarcopenia or frailty.

Site-specific skeletal muscle mass and functional prognosis in geriatric stroke patients

BackgroundEvidence is scarce regarding prognostic value of site-specific muscle mass in geriatric stroke survivors. We aim to assess the association between four measures of muscle mass, namely the skeletal muscle mass index of the limbs (SMI), upper limb SMI (USMI), lower limb SMI (LSMI), and trunk muscle mass index (TMI), and the functional prognosis in stroke patients. MethodsThis study conducted a retrospective cohort analysis involving post-acute stroke inpatients. Muscle mass data were obtained through bioelectrical impedance analysis and computed by dividing each muscle mass by the square of the height. The study outcomes included the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) motor at discharge and FIM-motor gain. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between SMI, USMI, LSMI, and TMI with outcomes, while adjusting for confounding factors. ResultsA total of 701 patients (mean age 72.8 years, 374 males) were analyzed. As a result, LSMI (β = 0.089, P = 0.003) and SMI (β = 0.083, P = 0.008) were significantly associated in the FIM-motor at discharge, with LSMI showing a stronger association. USMI (β = 0.019, P = 0.521) and TMI (β = 0.035, P = 0.231) showed no significant association. LSMI (β = 0.124, P = 0.003) and SMI (β = 0.116, P = 0.008) were significantly associated with FIM-motor gain; however, USMI (β = 0.027, P = 0.521) and TMI (β = 0.049, P = 0.231) showed no significant association with FIM-motor gain. ConclusionsDifferential associations were observed between site-specific muscle mass and functional prognosis in post-stroke patients. Among these, lower limb muscle mass was most strongly associated with activities of daily living (ADL) recovery.

Prevalence and factors associated with sarcopenia among urban and rural Indian adults in middle age: A cross-sectional study from Western India.

Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle mass and function. India has 8.6% of the global elderly (>60 years) population, and this is expected to increase to 20% by 2050. Around 70% of Indians live in rural areas where lifestyle factors like diet and physical activity differ from urban areas. Understanding age, sex and location-specific sarcopenia prevalence in India is crucial. Thus, our aim was to assess the prevalence and determinants of sarcopenia in urban and rural community-dwelling men and women aged 40 years and older, representing the next generation of older Indian adults. This cross-sectional study included 745 adults (400 women) from urban and rural areas near Pune, Western India. Assessments included socio-demography, diet by-24-hr recall, physical activity, anthropometry (height, weight), muscle mass measurement by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, muscle strength (hand grip) & muscle function by Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Sarcopenia was defined by Asian Working Group on Sarcopenia-2019 guidelines Mean age of participants was 53±7.6yrs. Overall prevalence of sarcopenia was 10% and of severe sarcopenia was 4.2%. Sarcopenia prevalence was higher in rural (14.8%) than urban (6.8%) participants and in men (12.5%) than women (8%, all p<0.05). Muscle mass, grip strength and SPPB score were all higher in urban than rural participants (p<0.05). Older age, rural residence, inadequate protein intake, and lower socio-economic status were independently associated with sarcopenia. In this middle-aged group, sarcopenia prevalence was similar to that observed in older Western populations, over 100% higher among rural than urban participants, and higher amongst men than women. Age, location, protein intake and socioeconomic status were factors associated with sarcopenia. Given this rapidly increasing population of older adults in India there is an urgent need to plan strategies for early sarcopenia diagnosis and management, especially in rural populations.

Mesenchymal stem cell transplant as an intervention to ameliorate disuse-induced muscle atrophy in a mouse model of simulated microgravity

BackgroundThe hindlimb unloaded (HU) mouse model exhibits disuse-induced muscle atrophy. However, effective interventions remain elusive. We investigated the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) transplant on muscle decline in HU mice. MethodsWe divided 4-month-old male c57BL/6j mice into controls and HU mice treated with PBS as placebo (HU-PBS) or MSCs (HU-MSC; one million cells/100 μl PBS into gastrocnemius muscles once a week) for three weeks. We measured muscle mass, grip strength, and an unbiased transcriptome analysis of gastrocnemius muscles. ResultsMSC treatment prevented muscle atrophy and improved grip strength in HU mice. Transcriptome analysis revealed MSC-induced unique (557 genes) and differential (1,214 genes) expressions of several genes compared to the HU-PBS group. GO and KEGG term analysis revealed an HU-induced downregulation of pathways associated with the regulation of contractile apparatus, neuromuscular junction, and satellite cell function, which were partly reversed with MSC treatment. Lastly, MSC treatment also upregulated the pathways controlling muscle differentiation and growth in the HU mice. ConclusionAltogether, we report the therapeutic potential of MSCs in treating disuse-induced muscle atrophy and weakness. Our study may help unravel novel molecular mechanisms involved in MSCs-induced muscle restoration.

Influence of Body Mass Index on Indirect Measurements of Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass in Overweight and Obese Older People

Influence of Body Mass Index on Indirect Measurements of Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass in Overweight and Obese Older People

Evaluating Respiratory Muscle Strength in Sarcopenia Screening among Older Men in South Korea: A Retrospective Analysis.

To evaluate the potential of incorporating respiratory muscle strength, specifically maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), along with traditional sarcopenia screening measures such as hand grip strength (HGS) and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), to identify sarcopenia in older men. A retrospective analysis was conducted involving male patients aged 65 years and older who underwent measurements of respiratory muscle strength, HGS, and muscle mass at a general hospital in Korea from July 2016 to May 2022. Statistical analysis utilized independent t-tests and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to assess the sensitivity and specificity of MIP, MEP, HGS, and SMI in sarcopenia screening. The cut-off values for sarcopenia screening were determined based on the area under the ROC curve (AUC). The analysis of 282 study participants revealed the following cut-off values for sarcopenia based on the AUC: for MIP, the cut-off value was 65.50 cmH2O (AUC=0.70, sensitivity: 0.63, specificity: 0.61), while for MEP, it was 84.50 cmH2O (AUC=0.74, sensitivity: 0.66, specificity: 0.68). This study showed the utility of respiratory muscle strength in screening for sarcopenia among older men. We suggest the screening cut-off values as 65.50 cmH2O for MIP and 84.50 cmH2O for MEP. Even when HGS and SMI measurements are not feasible, sarcopenia can be reasonably predicted based on respiratory muscle strength.

GLIM screening tool: are alternative measures of muscle mass proposed truly interchangeable?

GLIM screening tool: are alternative measures of muscle mass proposed truly interchangeable?

Effects of a combined exercise and high protein provision intervention on in vitro and bedside measurements of muscle mass and function in critically ill patients

Effects of a combined exercise and high protein provision intervention on in vitro and bedside measurements of muscle mass and function in critically ill patients

Predicting falls with ultrasound, physical parameters or fall-risk questions among older adults: A prospective cohort study

BackgroundFalls are a significant issue among older adults, leading to morbidity and mortality. Screening for fall risk in the ED is crucial but challenging due to time limitations and patient conditions. Sarcopenia, characterized by muscle loss, is associated with increased fall risk, and ultrasound has been proposed as a non-invasive tool to measure muscle mass in this context. MethodsThis prospective cohort study enrolled 174 older adults from an urban teaching hospital's EDOU, assessing muscle mass via POCUS, grip strength, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and fall risk using the STEADI toolkit. The patients were followed up over six months to assess if they had fallen or not. ResultsFollow-up identified 37 participants (21 %) as patients who fell. There was no significant association between POCUS-measured muscle mass, grip strength, or TUG test performance with future falls. In contrast, STEADI questionnaire responses demonstrated significant differences between patients who fell and did not fall, suggesting its potential utility in predicting fall risk in this population. ConclusionThe simpler tool, the STEADI questionnaire, may offer more practicality in screening fall risk compared to complex ultrasound measurements or physical performance tests among the older in ED.

Existing and Emerging Measures of Muscle Strength and Mass in the Assessment of Sarcopenia

Abstract Background Sarcopenia, an accelerated loss of muscle strength and mass is a major driver of adverse health outcomes in older people. The European Working Group on Sarcopenia recommends muscle strength assessment with handgrip strength (HGS) or five chair stands test (5CST) and muscle mass assessment with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry or bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). However, these methods can be contraindicated, unavailable or patients can be unable to perform them. We sought to compare the existing measures HGS, 5CST and BIA to emerging measures: quadriceps muscle strength (QMS) and muscle ultrasound. Methods Thirty-one participants from a local healthy ageing group (mean age 71±5 years, 80% female) were recruited to the FRAILMatics Physiological Cohort. Max HGS was assessed using the Jamar Plus+ dynamometer and 5CST timed from a standard height chair. Max QMS was measured with the Actiforce hand-held dynamometer. BIA was performed with the TANITA DC-430 MAP and the Sergi equation used to estimate appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM). Rectus femoris muscle thickness (RFMT), vastus lateralis muscle thickness (VLMT) and anterior thigh muscle thickness (ATMT) measurements were taken using the linear array transducer on the GE Vscan Air point of care ultrasound system. Pearson correlation was used to examine the relationship between measures. Results Strong correlation was seen between max QMS and max HGS (r = 0.73, P &amp;lt;0.001); moderate correlation between RFMT, VLMT, ATMT and ASMM (r = 0.51, P &amp;lt;0.01; r = 0.56, P&amp;lt;0.01; r = 0.40, P &amp;lt;0.05). 5CST was not correlated with any of the measures (P &amp;gt;0.05). Conclusion In the assessment of sarcopenia, QMS and muscle ultrasound could be alternatives to HGS and BIA respectively, especially in cases where the latter are not available or contraindicated. 5CST appears less useful in the assessment of sarcopenia and may be more appropriate as a test of physical performance.

Association of Gut Microbiome with Muscle Mass, Muscle Strength, and Muscle Performance in Older Adults: A Systematic Review.

Sarcopenia, characterized by reduced muscle mass, strength, or performance, is a common condition in older adults. The association between the gut microbiome and sarcopenia remains poorly understood. This systematic review aims to evaluate the relationship between muscle parameters and the intestinal microbiome. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2002 and 2022 involving participants aged 50+. Studies were included if they assessed sarcopenia using at least one measure of muscle mass (skeletal muscle mass, bioelectrical impedance analysis, MRI), muscle strength, or muscle performance (SARC-F questionnaire, Timed-Up-and-Go Test, Chair Stand Test, grip strength, gait speed, Short Physical Performance Battery, 400 m Walk Test). The microbiome was measured using at least RNA/DNA sequencing or shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Twelve studies were analyzed. Findings revealed that a higher abundance of bacterial species such as Desulfovibrio piger, and Clostridium symbiosum and reduced diversity of butyrate-producing bacteria was associated with sarcopenia severity, as indicated by decreased grip strength, muscle mass, or physical performance. The gut microbiome plays a significant role in age-related muscle loss. Probiotics, prebiotics, and bacterial products could be potential interventions to improve muscle health in older adults.

Frequency of weight and body composition increases in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients during first line therapy.

The primary objective of this study was to assess the frequency of body composition increases and their relationships to changes in body weight in two cohorts of real world, treatment-naïve, advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. One cohort received the current standard of care (CSOC), which consisted of immunotherapy and newer chemotherapy regimens, and the other cohort was treated with the former standard of care (FSOC), consisting only of older platinum-containing regimens. CSOC (n=106) and FSOC (n=88) cohorts of advanced NSCLC patients were included in this study. Weights were collected at each clinical visit, and body composition analysis from routine chest computed tomography via automated segmentation software assessed at baseline and at 6 and 12weeks. Standard statistical methods were used to calculate relationships between changes in weight and in body composition. The CSOC cohort contained 106 stage IV NSCLC patients treated between 16/12/2014 and 22/10/2020 while the FSOC cohort contained 88 stage III/IV NSCLC patients treated between 16/6/2006 and 18/11/2014. While each cohort exhibited decreases in median weight, body mass index (BMI), mean skeletal muscle index (SMI) and subcutaneous adipose tissue index (SATI) at the 6 and 12week time points, a subset of patients experienced increases in these parameters. Using a threshold of ≥2.5% increase for weight, BMI, SMI, and SATI at the 12week time point, both cohorts showed similar (20.5% and 27.3%) increases in these parameters. With a cut point of ≥5% increase at 12weeks follow-up, 8.0% to 25.0% of the patients gained ≥5% in weight, BMI, SMI and SATI. Comparing these results in each cohort showed no significant differences. Pearson coefficients for weight change related to changes in SMI and SATI at 6 and 12weeks ranged from 0.31 to 0.58 with all P values <0.02. Pearson coefficients for weight change at 12weeks related to changes in VATI and IMATI ranged from 0.26 to 0.47 with all P values <0.05. Comparison of Pearson coefficients for each cohort showed no significant differences. Although decreases in median weight, BMI, SMI and SATI were observed in both cohorts, similar percentage of patients in each cohort experienced increases in these parameters. These findings, plus the positive correlations between longitudinal measurements of weight, muscle mass and adipose tissue, indicate that weight gain in these patients involves increases in both muscle mass and adipose tissue. Upon validation, these findings could have implications for clinical trial design and for translational research in cancer cachexia.