Muscle Quality and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue in the Rectus Femoris and Rectus Abdominis Muscles: Ultrasound Evaluation and Functional Correlation in Older Adults

NCT07069777 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: USalamancaOSRFRA
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 150
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The goal of this observational, cross-sectional study is to examine the relationship between body composition and muscle quality in women over the afe of 65. The main question it aims to answer is: How are ultrasound-based measurements of muscle and fat tissue related to functional performance in older women?

Conditions

Ultrasound; Sarcopenia; Obesity

Keywords

ultrasound; obesity; sarcopenia; muscle quality; active aging

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Ultrasound Assessment of the Rectus Femoris Muscle

  The rectus femoris muscle was assessed using B-mode ultrasound imaging, following SARCUS group recommendations. Participants were positioned supine for 5 minutes prior to imaging to ensure fluid redistribution. A linear transducer (12 MHz) was used with neutral probe angle and minimal pressure. The anatomical landmark was the midpoint between the greater trochanter and the upper pole of the patella. Measurements included muscle thickness, pennation angle, fascicle length, echo intensity, cross-sectional area, and subcutaneous fat thickness. Images were taken in both transverse and longitudinal planes. Three measurements were taken per view to ensure accuracy.

  At a single assessment visit

• Ultrasound Assessment of the Rectus Abdominis Muscle

  The rectus abdominis muscle was assessed using the same ultrasound equipment and imaging protocol as for the rectus femoris. The anatomical reference point was located 3 cm lateral to the umbilicus, as per SARCUS group guidance. Images were acquired in both transverse and longitudinal planes. Measurements included muscle thickness, echo intensity, anatomical cross-sectional area, and subcutaneous fat thickness. Three measurements were taken per view to ensure reliability.

  At a single assessment visit

Secondary Outcomes (6)

• Grip strength test

  At a single assessment visit

• Chair stand test

  At a single assessment visit

• Body Mass Index (BMI)

  At a single assessment visit

• Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)

  At a single assessment visit

• Gait speed

  At a single assessment visit

Study Arms (4)

Obesity with low strenght

BMI \>30 and/or waist circumference of 88 cm or more and grip strength \<16 kg.

Obesity with normal strength

BMI \>30 and/or waist circumference of 88 cm or more and grip strength \>16 kg.

Non-obesity with normal strength.

BMI \<30 and/or waist circumference less than 88 cm and grip strength \>16 kg.

Non-obesity with low strength.

BMI \<30 and/or waist circumference less than 88 cm and grip strength \<16 kg.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 65 Years+
• Sex: female
• Age Groups: Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Community-dwelling women aged 65 years and older participating in the PReGe (research on active aging with preventive physiotherapy) project. The population is generally independent in activities of daily living and not institutionalized

You may qualify if:

• Aged ≥ 65 years and living in the community.
• Female sex.
• Enrolled as a participant in PReGe program.

You may not qualify if:

• Recent surgery (\<6 months) involving the abdomen or lower extremities.
• Presence of methal prostheses or implants in the thigh or abdoinal region.
• Diagnosed neuromuscular disease (e.g., myopathies, advanced Parkinson's disease.)
• Musculoskeletal disorders that impair basic mobility or prevent functional testing.
• Acute illness or clinical decompensation at the time of assessment.
• Unintentional weight loss \> 5 kg within the past month (suggestive of cachexia risk).
• Presence of active abdominal hernias or severe diastasis recti.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Salamanca: lead

Study Sites (1)

University of Salamanca

Salamanca, Salamanca, 37007, Spain

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Sarcopenia; Obesity

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Muscular Atrophy; Neuromuscular Manifestations; Neurologic Manifestations; Nervous System Diseases; Atrophy; Pathological Conditions, Anatomical; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Signs and Symptoms; Overweight; Overnutrition; Nutrition Disorders; Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases; Body Weight

Central Study Contacts

Luis Polo Ferrero, PhD

CONTACT

689919744; pfluis@usal.es

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Associate Professor of Physical Therapy at the University of Salamanca

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 7, 2025
• First Posted: July 17, 2025
• Study Start: September 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: October 15, 2025
• Study Completion: November 1, 2025
• Last Updated: July 17, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-05

Locations

ES (1)