Application of current sarcopenia definitions in spinal cord injury

Journal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions, 2019 · DOI: · Published: March 1, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Physiology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to immobilization, causing changes in body composition like loss of lean tissue and gain in fat mass. Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and power, is recognized as a disease. This study investigates how well current sarcopenia definitions apply to individuals with SCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

31 complete SCI men and 33 able-bodied age matched subjects

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
SCI subjects showed lower values in relative appendicular skeletal mass (RASM) and skeletal muscle index (SMI) compared to controls.
2
Muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) was significantly decreased in SCI subjects.
3
Current definitions of sarcopenia classify different individuals as sarcopenic, and sarcopenia was more prevalent in SCI.

Research Summary

This study evaluated the applicability of current sarcopenia definitions in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study compared 31 men with complete SCI to 33 age-matched able-bodied men, assessing muscle and fat mass using DXA and pQCT. The findings indicate that current sarcopenia definitions classify different individuals as sarcopenic and that sarcopenia is more prevalent in SCI, but the sensitivity and specificity of these measurements in SCI remain unclear.

Practical Implications

Refining Sarcopenia Definitions

Current sarcopenia definitions may need adjustments to accurately classify sarcopenia in SCI populations.

Targeted Interventions

Recognizing the increased prevalence of sarcopenia in SCI can inform targeted interventions to preserve muscle mass and function.

Improved Diagnostic Tools

Further research is needed to develop more sensitive and specific diagnostic tools for sarcopenia in SCI.

Application of current sarcopenia definitions in spinal cord injury

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Refining Sarcopenia Definitions

Targeted Interventions

Improved Diagnostic Tools

Study Limitations

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Was this summary helpful?

Application of current sarcopenia definitions in spinal cord injury

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Refining Sarcopenia Definitions

Targeted Interventions

Improved Diagnostic Tools

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?