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"Muscle quality": rethinking an imprecise term
Jarson P Costa-Pereira1, M Cristina Gonzalez2, Alfonso J Cruz-Jentoft3
1Postgraduate Program in Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil.
European Geriatric Medicine
|December 6, 2025
Summary
Muscle quality lacks a clear definition, causing inconsistent research. This paper clarifies key muscle parameters and their clinical importance, suggesting standardized terms for better muscle health assessment.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Skeletal Muscle Physiology
- Clinical Research Terminology
Background:
- The term "muscle quality" is broadly used in research and clinical practice.
- A lack of a universal definition leads to inconsistent interpretations of skeletal muscle characteristics.
- Standardized terminology is crucial for advancing research and clinical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify frequently assessed parameters under the umbrella of "muscle quality".
- To provide accurate definitions for these parameters.
- To emphasize the clinical significance of muscle health assessments.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies assessing "muscle quality".
- Analysis of functional and morphological characteristics of skeletal muscle.
- Synthesis of definitions and clinical relevance.
Main Results:
- "Muscle quality" encompasses diverse functional and morphological aspects.
- Key parameters include muscle composition, architecture, and specific strength.
- These parameters have significant clinical implications for muscle health.
Conclusions:
- Establishing a unified framework and terminology for muscle assessment is essential.
- Standardized terms will enhance research comparability and clinical applicability.
- Muscle composition, architecture, and specific strength are proposed as precise descriptors.
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