| Popis: |
Aim Recently, data have questioned the homogenous model of sarcopenia, and suggest that the loss of muscle mass could occur in a site-specific manner. It is unclear, however, whether a muscle strength ratio can be used to assess age-related, site-specific muscle loss. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between the age-related loss of thigh muscle, muscle function and gait performance. Methods A total of 55 men aged 18–79 years had muscle thickness (MTH) measured by ultrasound at three sites on the anterior (30% and 50% of thigh length) and posterior (70% of thigh length) aspects of the thigh. MTH ratios were calculated to assess the site-specific muscle loss (anterior 30% : posterior 70% MTH [A30 : P70] and anterior 50% : posterior 70% MTH [A50 : P70]). Walking performance, maximum isometric knee extension/flexion, toe-grasping and handgrip strength were measured. Results Age was inversely correlated with the ratios of A30 : P70 (r = −0.332) and A50 : P70 (r = −0.466). There were no significant correlations between the A30 : P70 and A50 : P70 ratios, and height and bodyweight. The A30 : P70 and A50 : P70 ratios were also not correlated with maximal walking speed. However, the A50 : P70 ratio was significantly correlated with zig-zag walking (r = −0.350) and handgrip strength (r = 0.334). In addition, these MTH ratios were also correlated with knee extension (r = 0.309 and r = 0.405), flexion (r = 0.306 and r = 0.412) and toe-grasping strength (r = 0.265 and r = 0.336). After adjusting for physical activity, the MTH ratios were still not correlated with ratio of muscle strength. Conclusion Strength ratios did not correlate with MTH ratios. Our cross-sectional analysis suggests that age-related site-specific muscle loss could assess the decrease in absolute muscular strength, but not the ratio of muscle strength. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 837–844. |
Plný text