Temporal Muscle Thickness: A Practical Approximation for Assessing Muscle Mass in Older Adults

Abstract

Objective

Ongoing research has evidenced the importance of muscle measurement in predicting adverse outcomes. Measurement of other muscles is promising in current research. This study aimed to determine the correlation between temporal muscle thickness (TMT) and appendicular lean soft tissue (ALSTI) in older adults.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Settings and Participants

Single cohort gathered in Gothenburg, Sweden, consisting of individuals born in 1944 (n = 1203).

Methods

We studied 657 magnetic resonance images to measure TMT. Comparisons of TMT with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry ALSTI (kg/m²) as a reference standard were performed. Finally, TMT associations with cognition evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), gait speed, and handgrip strength were explored with linear regressions.

Results

The correlation between TMT and ALSTI was weak yet significant (r = 0.277, P < .001). TMT exhibited significant associations with MMSE (estimate = 0.168, P = .002), gait speed (estimate = 1.795, P < .001), and ALSTI (estimate = 0.508, P < .001). These associations varied when analyzed by sex. In women, TMT was significantly associated with gait speed (estimate = 1.857, P = .005) and MMSE (estimate = 0.223, P = .003). In men, TMT scores were significantly correlated with ALSTI scores (estimate = 0.571, P < .001).

Conclusion and Implications

Repurposing head images can be an accessible alternative to detect muscle mass and ultimately detect sarcopenia. These studies have the potential to trigger interventions or further evaluation to improve the muscle and overall health of individuals. However, additional research is warranted before translating these findings into clinical practice.