Associations between D3Cr muscle mass and MR thigh muscle volume with strength, power, physical performance, fitness, and limitations in older adults in the SOMMA study.

BACKGROUND

How magnetic resonance (MR) derived thigh muscle volume and d3-creatine dilution derived muscle mass (D3Cr muscle mass) differentially relate to strength, fitness, and other functional in older adults - and whether associations vary by sex - is not known.

METHODS

Men (N=345) and women (N=482) aged ≥70 years from the Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging completed leg extension strength (1-repetition max) and cardiopulmonary exercise testing to assess fitness (VO2peak). Correlations and adjusted regression models stratified by sex were used to assess the association between muscle size measures and study outcomes and sex interactions.

RESULTS

D3Cr muscle mass and MR thigh muscle volume were correlated (men: r=0.62, women: r=0.51, p<.001). Each standard deviation decrement in D3Cr muscle mass was associated with lower 1-RM strength (-14 kg men, -4 kg women, p<.001 for both; p-interaction=0.003) and lower VO2peak (-79 mL/min men, -30 mL/min women, p<.001 for both, p interaction: 0.016). Each SD decrement in MR thigh muscle volume was also associated with lower strength (-32 kg men, -20 kg women, p<0.001 for both; p-interaction 0.139) and lower VO2peak (-217 mL/min men, -111mL/min women, p<.001 for both, p interaction: 0.010). There were associations, though less consistent, between muscle size or mass with physical performance and function; associations varied by sex.

CONCLUSIONS

Less muscle -measured by either D3Cr muscle mass or MR thigh muscle volume - was associated with lower strength and fitness. Varied associations by sex and assessment method suggest consideration be given to which measurement to use in future studies.

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