Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Echo intensity is negatively associated with functional capacity in older women

  • Published:
AGE Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Muscle quality is an important component of the functional profile of the elderly, and previous studies have shown that both muscle quantity and quality independently contribute to muscle strength of the elderly. This study aimed to verify the association between quadriceps femoris muscle quality, analyzed by specific tension and echo intensity (EI), and rate of torque development (RTD) of the knee extensor muscles with the functional performance in elderly active women. Forty-five healthy, active elderly women (70.28 ± 6.2) volunteered to participate in this study. Quadriceps femoris muscle thickness and EI were determined by ultrasonography. Knee extension isometric peak torque and RTD were obtained from maximal isometric voluntary contraction curves. The 30-s sit-to-stand-up (30SS) test and usual gait speed (UGS) test were applied to evaluate functional performance. Rectus femoris EI presented a significant negative correlation with 30SS (r = −0.505, P < 0.01), UGS (r s = −0.347, P < 0.05), and isometric peak torque (r = −0.314, P < 0.05). The quadriceps femoris EI correlated negatively with 30SS (r = −0.493, P < 0.01) and isometric peak torque (r = −0.409, P < 0.01). The EI of the quadriceps femoris and all quadriceps muscle portions significantly correlated with RTD. RTD significantly correlated with physical performance in both functional tests (30SS = r = 0.340, P < 0.05; UGS = r s = 0.371, P < 0.05). We concluded that muscle EI may be an important predictor of functional performance and knee extensor power capacity in elderly, active women.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aagaard P, Suetta C, Caserotti P, Magnusson SP, Kjaer M (2010) Role of the nervous system in sarcopenia and muscle atrophy with aging: strength training as a countermeasure. Scand J Med Sci Sports 20:49–64. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0838.2009.01084.x

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Andersen LL, Aagaard P (2006) Influence of maximal muscle strength and intrinsic muscle contractile properties on contractile rate of force development. Eur J Appl Physiol 96:46–52. doi:10.1007/s00421-005-0070-z

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Arts IM, Pillen S, Schelhaas HJ, Overeem S, Zwarts MJ (2010) Normal values for quantitative muscle ultrasonography in adults. Muscle Nerve 41:32–41. doi:10.1002/mus.21458

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bassey EJ, Harries UJ (1993) Normal values for handgrip strength in 920 men and women aged over 65years, and longitudinal changes over 4 years in 620 survivors. Clin Sci (Lond) 84:331–337

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bento PC, Pereira G, Ugrinowitsch C, and Rodacki AL (2010) Peak torque and rate of torque development in elderly with and without fall history. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 25:450–454. doi:10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2010.02.002

  • Berg HE, Tedner B, Tesch PA (1993) Changes in lower limb muscle cross-sectional area and tissue fluid volume after transition from standing to supine. Acta Physiol Scand 148:379–385

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cadore EL, Izquierdo M, Conceicao M, Radaelli R, Pinto RS, Baroni BM et al (2012) Echo intensity is associated with skeletal muscle power and cardiovascular performance in elderly men. Exp Gerontol 47:473–478. doi:10.1016/j.exger.2012.04.002

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Candow DG (2011) Sarcopenia: current theories and the potential beneficial effect of creatine application strategies. Biogerontology 12:273–281. doi:10.1007/s10522-011-9327-6

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Caserotti P, Aagaard P, Larsen JB, Puggaard L (2008) Explosive heavy-resistance training in old and very old adults: changes in rapid muscle force, strength and power. Scand J Med Sci Sports 18:773–782. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0838.2007.00732.x

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cesari M, Kritchevsky SB, Penninx BW, Nicklas BJ, Simonsick EM, Newman AB et al (2005) Prognostic value of usual gait speed in well-functioning older people—results from the health, aging and body composition study. J Am Geriatr Soc 53:1675–1680. doi:10.1111/j.1532-5415.2005.53501.x

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Clark DJ, Pojednic RM, Reid KF, Patten C, Pasha EP, Phillips EM et al (2013) Longitudinal decline of neuromuscular activation and power in healthy older adults. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 68:1419–1425. doi:10.1093/gerona/glt036

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Craig CL, Marshall AL, Sjostrom M, Bauman AE, Booth ML, Ainsworth BE et al (2003) International physical activity questionnaire: 12-country reliability and validity. Med Sci Sports Exerc 35:1381–1395. doi:10.1249/01.MSS.0000078924.61453.FB

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Delmonico MJ, Harris TB, Visser M, Park SW, Conroy MB, Velasquez-Mieyer P et al (2009) Longitudinal study of muscle strength, quality, and adipose tissue infiltration. Am J Clin Nutr 90:1579–1585. doi:10.3945/ajcn.2009.28047

    Article  PubMed  CAS  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Doherty TJ (2003) Invited review: aging and sarcopenia. J Appl Physiol 95:1717–1727

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Evans W (1997) Functional and metabolic consequences of sarcopenia. J Nutr 127:998S–1003S

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Edwen CE, Thorlund JB, Magnusson SP, Slinde F, Svantesson U, Hulthen L et al (2013) Stretch-shortening cycle muscle power in women and men aged 18–81 years: influence of age and gender. Scand J Med Sci Sports. doi:10.1111/sms.12066

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fukumoto Y, Ikezoe T, Yamada Y, Tsukagoshi R, Nakamura M, Mori N et al (2012) Skeletal muscle quality assessed from echo intensity is associated with muscle strength of middle-aged and elderly persons. Eur J Appl Physiol 112:1519–1525. doi:10.1007/s00421-011-2099-5

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gariballa S, Alessa A (2013) Sarcopenia: prevalence and prognostic significance in hospitalized patients. Clin Nutr 32:772–776. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2013.01.010

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gwin JT, Ferris DP (2012) An EEG-based study of discrete isometric and isotonic human lower limb muscle contraction. J Neuroeng Rehabil 9:9–35. doi:10.1186/1743-0003-9-35

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Helgerud J, Karlsen T, Kim WY, Hoydal KL, Stoylen A, Pedersen H et al (2011) Interval and strength training in CAD patients. Int J Sports Med 32:54–59. doi:10.1055/s-0030-1267180

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Izquierdo M, Aguado X, Gonzalez R, Lopez JL, Hakkinen K (1999) Maximal and explosive force production capacity and balance performance in men of different ages. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol 79:260–267

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jones CJ, Rikli RE, Beam WC (1999) A 30-s chair-stand test as a measure of lower body strength in community-residing older adults. Res Q Exerc Sport 70:113–119

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Klass M, Baudry S, Duchateau J (2008) Age-related decline in rate of torque development is accompanied by lower maximal motor unit discharge frequency during fast contractions. J Appl Physiol 104:739–746. doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00550.2007

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Korhonen MT, Mero AA, Alen M, Sipila S, Hakkinen K, Liikavainio T et al (2009) Biomechanical and skeletal muscle determinants of maximum running speed with aging. Med Sci Sports Exerc 41:844–856. doi:10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181998366

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lochynski D, Kaczmarek D, Krutki P, Celichowski J (2010) Effect of ageing on the force development in tetanic contractions of motor units in rat medial gastrocnemius muscle. Mech Ageing Dev 131:545–553. doi:10.1016/j.mad.2010.07.001

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lynch NA, Metter EJ, Lindle RS, Fozard JL, Tobin JD, Roy TA et al (1999) Muscle quality. I. Age-associated differences between arm and leg muscle groups. J Appl Physiol 86:188–194

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Macaluso A, De Vito G (2004) Muscle strength, power and adaptations to resistance training in older people. Eur J Appl Physiol 91:450–472. doi:10.1007/s00421-003-0991-3

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Misic MM, Rosengren KS, Woods JA, Evans EM (2007) Muscle quality, aerobic fitness and fat mass predict lower-extremity physical function in community-dwelling older adults. Gerontology 53:260–266. doi:10.1159/000101826

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Muhlberg W, Sieber C (2004) Sarcopenia and frailty in geriatric patients: implications for training and prevention. Z Gerontol Geriatr 37:2–8. doi:10.1007/s00391-004-0203-8

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nilwik R, Snijders T, Leenders M, Groen BB, van Kranenburg J, Verdijk LB et al (2013) The decline in skeletal muscle mass with aging is mainly attributed to a reduction in type II muscle fiber size. Exp Gerontol 48:492–498. doi:10.1016/j.exger.2013.02.012

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pereira MP, Goncalves M (2011) Muscular coactivation (CA) around the knee reduces power production in elderly women. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 52:317–321. doi:10.1016/j.archger.2010.04.024

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pillen S, Tak RO, Zwarts MJ, Lammens MM, Verrijp KN, Arts IM et al (2009) Skeletal muscle ultrasound: correlation between fibrous tissue and echo intensity. Ultrasound Med Biol 35:443–446. doi:10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2008.09.016

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pinto RS, Correa CS, Radaelli R, Cadore EL, Brown LE, Bottaro M (2014) Short-term strength training improves muscle quality and functional capacity of elderly women. Age (Dordr) 36:365–372. doi:10.1007/s11357-013-9567-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Radaelli R, Wilhelm EN, Botton CE, Bottaro M, Cadore EL, Brown LE, Pinto RS (2013) Effect of two different strength training volumes on muscle hypertrophy and quality in elderly women. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 53(Suppl. 1–3):1–2

  • Reeves ND, Narici MV, Maganaris CN (2004) Effect of resistance training on skeletal muscle-specific force in elderly humans. J Appl Physiol 96:885–892. doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00688.2003

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Reid KF, Fielding RA (2012) Skeletal muscle power: a critical determinant of physical functioning in older adults. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 40:4–12. doi:10.1097/JES.0b013e31823b5f13

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Reimers K, Reimers CD, Wagner S, Paetzke I, Pongratz DE (1993) Skeletal muscle sonography: a correlative study of echogenicity and morphology. J Ultrasound Med 12:73–77

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Roubenoff R, Hughes VA (2000) Sarcopenia: current concepts. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 55:M716–M724

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shin S, Valentine RJ, Evans EM, Sosnoff JJ (2012) Lower extremity muscle quality and gait variability in older adults. Age Ageing 41:595–599. doi:10.1093/ageing/afs032

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Strasser EM, Draskovits T, Praschak M, Quittan M, Graf A (2013) Association between ultrasound measurements of muscle thickness, pennation angle, echogenicity and skeletal muscle strength in the elderly. Age (Dordr) 35:2377–2388. doi:10.1007/s11357-013-9517-z

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Suetta C, Aagaard P, Rosted A, Jakobsen AK, Duus B, Kjaer M et al (2004) Training-induced changes in muscle CSA, muscle strength, EMG, and rate of force development in elderly subjects after long-term unilateral disuse. J Appl Physiol 97:1954–1961. doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.01307.2003

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Suzuki T, Bean JF, Fielding RA (2001) Muscle power of the ankle flexors predicts functional performance in community-dwelling older women. J Am Geriatr Soc 49:1161–1167

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tracy BL, Ivey FM, Hurlbut D, Martel GF, Lemmer JT, Siegel EL et al (1999) Muscle quality. II. Effects of strength training in 65–75-years-old men and women. J Appl Physiol 86:195–201

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Volpato S, Bianchi L, Lauretani F, Lauretani F, Bandinelli S, Guralnik JM et al (2012) Role of muscle mass and muscle quality in the association between diabetes and gait speed. Diabetes Care 35:1672–1679. doi:10.2337/dc11-2202

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Walker FO, Cartwright MS, Wiesler ER, Caress J (2004) Ultrasound of nerve and muscle. Clin Neurophysiol 115:495–507. doi:10.1016/j.clinph.2003.10.022

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Watanabe Y, Yamada Y, Fukumoto Y, Ishihara T, Yokoyama K, Yoshida T et al (2013) Echo intensity obtained from ultrasonography images reflecting muscle strength in elderly men. Clin Interv Aging 8:993–998. doi:10.2147/CIA.S47263

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Wilhelm EN, Rech A, Minozzo F, Radaelli R, Botton CE, Pinto RS (2014) Relationship between quadriceps femoris echo intensity, muscle power, and functional capacity of older men. Age (Dordr). doi:10.1007/s11357-014-9625-4

    Google Scholar 

  • Winters JD, Rudolph KS (2013) Quadriceps rate of force development affects gait and function in people with knee osteoarthritis. Eur J Appl Physiol. doi:10.1007/s00421-013-2759-8

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yoda M, Inaba M, Okuno S, Yoda K, Yamada S, Imanishi Y et al (2012) Poor muscle quality as a predictor of high mortality independent of diabetes in hemodialysis patients. Biomed Pharmacother 66:266–270. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2011.11.001

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Eurico Nestor Wilhelm and Anelise Sandri for the technical support and CNPq and CAPES for their financial support.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Exercise Research Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, 90690-200, Brazil

    Anderson Rech, Regis Radaelli & Ronei Silveira Pinto

  2. Rehabilitation Sciences Postgraduate Programm, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil

    Fernanda Reistenbach Goltz & Luis Henrique Telles da Rosa

  3. Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil

    Cláudia Dornelles Schneider

Authors
  1. Anderson Rech
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Regis Radaelli
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Fernanda Reistenbach Goltz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Luis Henrique Telles da Rosa
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Cláudia Dornelles Schneider
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Ronei Silveira Pinto
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Anderson Rech.

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Rech, A., Radaelli, R., Goltz, F.R. et al. Echo intensity is negatively associated with functional capacity in older women. AGE 36, 9708 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-014-9708-2

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-014-9708-2

Keywords

Search

Navigation