Ultrasound Assessment of Muscle Fat and Volume in Older Adults Hospitalized for Rehabilitation to Predict Physical Recovery

What this Trial Is About

Sarcopenia in older adults involves not only loss of muscle mass but also worsening muscle quality, especially due to fat buildup within muscles. This study evaluates a new ultrasound method that measures muscle fat infiltration and volume in older adults hospitalized for rehabilitation due to gait or balance problems. The goal is to see if higher fat infiltration at the start is linked to poorer recovery of physical abilities after 6 months, regardless of muscle size. Participants aged 75 and older in a rehabilitation day-hospital program undergo ultrasound assessments using a certified device that measures muscle volume and fat infiltration through a special matrix analysis. These assessments occur at the beginning and during follow-up visits. The study is observational and focuses on exploring new ultrasound-based markers of muscle quality in a real-life geriatric population. During the study, participants have standardized clinical exams and ultrasound evaluations as part of their routine rehabilitation care. Researchers measure changes in physical performance using the Short Physical Performance Battery SPPB over 6 months. They also assess muscle strength, lean body mass, and record important events like falls, loss of independence, rehospitalization, and mortality. The study lasts at least 6 months to monitor recovery and health outcomes.

Clinical Relevance of Ultrasound-based Intramuscular Fat Infiltration Assessment in Hospitalized Older Adults (FATUS-OLD)