An observational study in Ultrasound, Sarcopenia and Obesity, sponsored by University of Salamanca. Not yet recruiting at 1 site in Spain. Open to female participants aged 65 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2025-07-17.
Sponsored by University of Salamanca · Observational
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?
In this observational and cross-sectional study, researchers will use ultrasound imaging and physical performance tests to evaluate muscle thickness, subcutaneous fat thickness, abdominal circumference, handgrip strength, and functional performance. These measurements will help identify muscle and fat distribution profiles associated with higher functional risk in older adults.
This study aims to contribute to the understanding of sarcopenic obesity and muscle quality in aging, with the ultimate goal of improving preventive physiotherapy strategies and promoting healthy aging.
1,208 studies on the registry are indexed under Sarcopenia; 402 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 150 is above the median of 120 across 419 observational studies indexed under Sarcopenia.
Browse Sarcopenia studies →University of Salamanca is the lead sponsor of 110 studies on the registry; 48 are open to participants now.
Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.
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
Exclusion Criteria:
BMI \>30 and/or waist circumference of 88 cm or more and grip strength \<16 kg.
BMI \>30 and/or waist circumference of 88 cm or more and grip strength \>16 kg.
BMI \<30 and/or waist circumference less than 88 cm and grip strength \>16 kg.
BMI \<30 and/or waist circumference less than 88 cm and grip strength \<16 kg.
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.
Time frame: 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.
Time frame: At a single assessment visit
Grip strength test
Accurate measurement of hand grip strength requires the use of a hand dynamometer (Jamar Plus) calibrated under well-defined (standardized) test conditions. Force values less than 16 Kg are considered positive.
Time frame: At a single assessment visit
Chair stand test
It can be used as an indicator of the strength of the lower limb muscles. It measures the amount of time a patient needs to get up five times from a sitting position without using their arms. It will help us to affirm that the person has a probable sarcopenia. Times greater than 15 seconds are considered positive.
Time frame: At a single assessment visit
Body Mass Index (BMI)
It is a measure used to assess a person's body weight in relation to their height. It is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared (BMI = kg/m²).
Time frame: At a single assessment visit
Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)
Test to assess physical performance and degree of frailty consisting of 3 subtests: gait speed, balance, and lower limb strength. The maximum score is 12 points and a score ≤ 8 points indicates poor physical performance.
Time frame: At a single assessment visit
Gait speed
t is considered a fast, safe and very reliable test for sarcopenia, in a distance of 4 meters, values greater than 0.8 m/s are considered positive
Time frame: At a single assessment visit
Timed Up and Go (TUG)
A predictive test for frailty and falls, where individuals are asked to get up from a standard chair, walk to a marker 3 m away, turn around, and sit down again. Times greater than 20 seconds are considered positive.
Time frame: At a single assessment visit
This study is not yet recruiting, as verified in May 2025. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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University of Salamanca