Simple evaluation method for muscle morphology and function using ultrasound and electromyogram.

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K12719
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 90140:Medical technology assessment-related
• Research Institution: Junshin Gakuen University
• Principal Investigator: Katayama Masafumi 純真学園大学, 検査科学科, 教授 (20735245)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 高野 吉朗 国際医療福祉大学, 福岡保健医療学部, 教授 (20439574)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: サルコペニア / 簡易評価法 / 超音波 / 筋電図

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The purpose of this study was to diagnose sarcopenia at an early stage and to understand the progress of sarcopenia. We searched for a simple recording method so that the diagnostic criteria of "decrease in muscle volume" and "muscle weakness" can be evaluated. Decrease in muscle volume was evaluated by size measurement using ultrasound. Because an error by contact pressure of probe was large by the use of a diameter, we used perimeter for assessment muscle size. For muscle weakness, the area measured from the surface electromyogram was used as the amount of muscle discharge instead of the physical muscle strength. However, since individual differences were large, an evaluation was attempted using the rate of increase in muscle discharge per unit load weight as an index. Furthermore, we were able to establish high evaluation procedure of precision by grasping the item which changed by exercise habit and life background of a subject.

Free Research Field

神経生理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

筋力の評価に用いた「筋放電-負荷指数」は、簡易に計測できる方法であり、運動不足が原因と考えられる弱い脚力の被検者で高値を示した。逆に、日常的に運動している者や、選択的に脚に強い負荷をかけることを実施している者では低値であり、比較的高齢になっても維持ができていることがわかった。本来のサルコペニアによる筋力低下の評価は未完遂であったが、経年的な加齢による筋力変化の評価をすることで、将来的なサルコペニアやダイナペニアを予防できる可能性があると考える。