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Predicting muscle mass from anthropometry using magnetic resonance imaging as reference: a systematic review
Yasmin Y Al-Gindan1, Catherine R Hankey, Wilma Leslie
1Human Nutrition, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
Nutrition Reviews
|January 23, 2014
Summary
Simple methods to assess adult muscle mass are lacking. This review found few validated prediction equations using anthropometry, highlighting a need for better tools to manage sarcopenia.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Human Physiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Sarcopenia diagnosis and management are hindered by the absence of simple, reliable methods for assessing muscle mass.
- Accurate quantification of muscle mass is crucial for identifying individuals with sarcopenia and implementing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically identify and evaluate simple methods for quantifying adult muscle mass and volume.
- To assess the validity and applicability of prediction equations derived from anthropometric measurements for estimating muscle mass.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted using Cochrane Review methodology across major databases (Medline, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library) up to August 2012.
- Included studies focused on prediction equations using anthropometric measurements to estimate muscle mass, with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a reference standard.
- A total of 12 studies met the inclusion criteria from an initial search of 257 papers.
Main Results:
- Most included studies (10/12) assessed only regional or limb muscle mass, limiting whole-body applicability.
- Nine studies utilized limb circumference adjusted for skinfold thickness, which restricts practical use.
- Only two studies performed validation in separate subject samples, and two reported advanced correlations between MRI-measured muscle mass and anthropometry.
Conclusions:
- While one simple prediction equation shows potential for estimating muscle mass, it lacks validation by independent researchers in diverse populations.
- Existing simple methods often fail to incorporate widely available trunk and limb girths, which have proven valuable in other body composition studies.
- There is a significant need for the development and validation of practical, reliable anthropometric methods for assessing muscle mass to aid in sarcopenia management.
