Calf Circumference as a Screening Instrument for Appendicular Muscle Mass Measurement

Currently, sarcopenia has been recognized as a specific disease rather than normal aging process because of its close relationship with multiple adverse outcomes in older people.1,2 The diagnosis of sarcopenia requires measurements of appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) plus muscle strength and physical performance.3,4 Nevertheless, it is never convenient to conduct a community-based screening program for sarcopenia based on the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry or body impedance analysis. Although SARC-F questionnaire has been developed and validated in screening sarcopenia in community or clinical settings,5,6 an accurate estimation of ASM may help promoting awareness for sarcopenia in the general public.
Source: Journal of the American Medical Directors Association - Category: Health Management Authors: Tags: Letter to the Editor Source Type: research