AUTHOR=Yuan Han , Kim Maeng-Kyu 

TITLE=Exploring the relationship between ultrasound parameters and muscle strength in older adults: a meta-analysis of sarcopenia-related exercise performance

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Medicine

VOLUME=Volume 11 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2024.1429530

DOI=10.3389/fmed.2024.1429530

ISSN=2296-858X

ABSTRACT=Introduction: Ultrasound (US) imaging has emerged as a promising tool for assessing age-related muscle changes. This meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively evaluate the associations between US parameters and muscle strength, as well as sarcopenia-related functional performance in older adults by integrating data from multiple studies.Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase until June 2023. Studies reporting Pearson's correlation coefficients between US parameters (echo intens ity (EI), muscle thickness (MT), cross-sectional area (CSA), pinnations angle (PA), fascicle length (FL)) and measures of muscle strength or physical performance in older adults were included. Effect sizes were pooled using a random-effects model and presented in forest plots. Heterogeneity was assessed using I 2 , and publication bias was evaluated using Egger's test.Results: Twenty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis revealed moderate to strong correlations between EI, MT, and CSA with muscle strength. However, no significant associations were found between US parameters and gait speed. For chair stand tests, the strength of associations varied by test type, with weak correlations observed between echo intensity and muscle thickness with sit-to-stand tests. US parameters did not exhibit significant correlations with the Timed Up and Go test.US measurements of EI and MT showed moderate-strong associations with muscle strength and sarcopenia-related functional tests. Larger studies evaluating comprehensive US parameters longitudinally are needed to optimize sarcopenia diagnosis and management strategies