Site-Specific Muscle Loss in the Abdomen and Anterior Thigh in Elderly Males with Locomotive Syndrome

Abstract

Although locomotive syndrome (LS) is a condition of reduced mobility, little information is available regarding the loss of site-specific skeletal muscle mass. The aim of the present study is to examine site-specific muscle loss in elderly males with LS. A total of 100 men ranging in age from 65 to 74 years were divided into two groups (LS and non-LS) using LS risk tests including the stand-up test, two-step test, and the 25-question geriatric locomotive function scale Muscle thickness (MTH) at eight sites—anterior and posterior thigh (AT and PT, respectively), anterior and posterior lower leg (AL and PL, respectively), rectus abdominis (RA), anterior and posterior upper arm (AU and PU, respectively), and anterior forearm (AF)—was evaluated using B-mode ultrasound. Furthermore, the 30-s chair stand test (CS-30), 10-m walking time, zig-zag walking time, and sit-up test were assessed as physical functions. There were no significant differences in age and body mass index between the LS and non-LS groups. The percentage of skeletal muscle was lower in the LS group than in the non-LS group. Although there were no differences in the MTH of AU, PU, AF, PT, Al and PL, site-specific muscle loss was observed at RA and AT in the LS group. CS-30, 10-m walking time, zig-zag walking time, and sit-up test in the LS group were all worse than those in the non-LS group. The MTHs of RA and AT were both correlated to those physical functions. In conclusion, the LS group had site-specific muscle loss and worse physical functions. This study suggests that site-specific changes may be associated with age-related physical functions. These results may suggest what the essential characteristics of LS are.

Association between Daily Physical Activity and Locomotive Syndrome in Community-Dwelling Japanese Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Therefore, it could be possible that LS was not associated with muscle mass and SMI using bioelectrical impedance analysis in older individuals aged around 70 years. Recently, Natsume et al [34] reported that the muscle thickness of the anterior thigh and rectus abdominis was significantly lower in older men with LS, and the reduction in site-specific muscle mass significantly correlated to LS-related physical functions. Previous studies on LS also demonstrated that 10 m gait speed and muscle strength of the legs were significantly lower in the older adults with LS than in those without [33,35].…”

Lower extremity performance in older women as influenced by total body composition versus thigh muscularity

“…One systematic review demonstrated the importance of trunk muscle strength for balance, functional performance, and fall prevention in older adults [53]. In addition, muscle cross-sectional ( [54] and muscle thickness values ( [27] of the rectus abdominis are related to functional ability in older adults. Trunk exercise training improves the size of trunk muscles, trunk muscle strength and physical function [53,55].…”

“…Corresponding changes in speci c muscle groups have been shown to occur independently of those of appendicular lean tissue mass, as determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) [25]. In addition, some studies have reported that the age-related loss in the size of speci c muscle groups is associated with that in lower extremity performance [25][26][27]. For example, [25,26] reported that the thigh anterior to posterior ratio in muscle thickness is negatively correlated with age [25] and with zig-zag walking time in older men and women [25,26].…”

“…For example, [25,26] reported that the thigh anterior to posterior ratio in muscle thickness is negatively correlated with age [25] and with zig-zag walking time in older men and women [25,26]. In addition, [27] reported that muscle thickness values at the thigh anterior as well as the rectus abdominis were signi cantly lower in older adults with reduced mobility, as screened by the "locomotive syndrome test" [28]. These ndings suggest that the size of speci c muscle groups located in the thigh would also be an important component of body composition, and that they would be associated with lower extremity performance.…”