The comparative associations of ultrasound and computed tomography estimates of muscle quality with physical performance and metabolic parameters in older men

Michael O. Harris-Love, Nilo A. Avila, Bernadette Adams, June Zhou, Bryant Seamon, Catheeja Ismail, Syed H. Zaidi, Courtney A. Kassner, Frank Liu, Marc R. Blackman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Estimates of muscle tissue composition may have greater prognostic value than lean body mass levels regarding health-related outcomes. Ultrasound provides a relatively low cost, safe, and accessible mode of imaging to assess muscle morphology. The purpose of this study was to determine the construct validity of muscle echogenicity as a surrogate measure of muscle quality in a sample of older, predominantly African American (AA) participants. We examined the association of rectus femoris echogenicity with mid-thigh computed tomography (CT) scan estimates of intra-and intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), basic metabolic parameters via blood sample analysis, muscle strength, and mobility status. This observational study was conducted at a federal medical center and included 30 community-dwelling men (age, 62.5 ± 9.2; AA, n = 24; Caucasian, n = 6). IMAT estimates were significantly associated with echogenicity (r = 0.73, p < 0.001). Echogenicity and IMAT exhibited similar associations with the two-hour postprandial glucose values and high-density lipoproteins values (p < 0.04), as well as grip and isokinetic (180/s) knee extension strength adjusted for body size (p < 0.03). The significant relationship between ultrasound and CT muscle composition estimates, and their comparative association with key health-related outcomes, suggests that echogenicity should be further considered as a surrogate measure of muscle quality.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number340
JournalJournal of Clinical Medicine
Volume7
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2018
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Aging
  • Computed tomography
  • Echogenicity
  • Metabolic status
  • Muscle quality
  • Muscle strength
  • Muscle tissue composition
  • Myosteatosis
  • Quantitative ultrasound
  • Sarcopenia

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The comparative associations of ultrasound and computed tomography estimates of muscle quality with physical performance and metabolic parameters in older men'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this