Impact of Lean Muscle Mass on Strength and Functional Mobility in Clinical Populations
Mentor 1
Scott Strath
Start Date
28-4-2023 12:00 AM
Description
The effects of aging can often lead to reductions in skeletal muscle mass, which is closely linked with diminishing levels in strength, functional mobility, and disability. However, it remains unclear whether skeletal muscle mass directly impacts strength and functional mobility in those with previously diagnosed neurological disorders. To evaluate the relationships between a lean mass index and strength and functional mobility in a diverse clinical population. The study consisted of 40 adults with neurological conditions (mean age = 64.7 (9.0), 53% female). The participants included those with neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, along with other neurological conditions. Hand grip strength (HGS), 10-meter usual gait speed (UGS), and fast gait speed (FGS) were assessed. Appendicular lean mass (ALM) was measured via Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA), then normalized to body mass index (BMI). Mean differences between male and female participants were assessed with independent-samples t-tests, and Cohen’s d effect sizes (ES) were calculated to illustrate the magnitude of differences. Linear regression analyses predicted HGS, UGS, and FGS from ALM/BMI, controlling for sex. There were significant differences between male and female participants with respect to height (ES= -1.27), ALM/BMI (ES=-1.48), and HGS (ES=-1.51). Independent of sex, ALM/BMI was significantly associated with HGS (β=0.66), UGS (β=0.52), and FGS (β=0.49). We can anticipate that an increase in muscle mass will increase hand grip strength and gait speed, ultimately increasing functional mobility for a subgroup that is prone to functional decline and disability. The implication of study findings highlights the need to target the maintenance or increase in lean mass, in order to maintain or increase grip strength, gait speed, and overall functional mobility for clinical populations.
Impact of Lean Muscle Mass on Strength and Functional Mobility in Clinical Populations
The effects of aging can often lead to reductions in skeletal muscle mass, which is closely linked with diminishing levels in strength, functional mobility, and disability. However, it remains unclear whether skeletal muscle mass directly impacts strength and functional mobility in those with previously diagnosed neurological disorders. To evaluate the relationships between a lean mass index and strength and functional mobility in a diverse clinical population. The study consisted of 40 adults with neurological conditions (mean age = 64.7 (9.0), 53% female). The participants included those with neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, along with other neurological conditions. Hand grip strength (HGS), 10-meter usual gait speed (UGS), and fast gait speed (FGS) were assessed. Appendicular lean mass (ALM) was measured via Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA), then normalized to body mass index (BMI). Mean differences between male and female participants were assessed with independent-samples t-tests, and Cohen’s d effect sizes (ES) were calculated to illustrate the magnitude of differences. Linear regression analyses predicted HGS, UGS, and FGS from ALM/BMI, controlling for sex. There were significant differences between male and female participants with respect to height (ES= -1.27), ALM/BMI (ES=-1.48), and HGS (ES=-1.51). Independent of sex, ALM/BMI was significantly associated with HGS (β=0.66), UGS (β=0.52), and FGS (β=0.49). We can anticipate that an increase in muscle mass will increase hand grip strength and gait speed, ultimately increasing functional mobility for a subgroup that is prone to functional decline and disability. The implication of study findings highlights the need to target the maintenance or increase in lean mass, in order to maintain or increase grip strength, gait speed, and overall functional mobility for clinical populations.
