How MRI is transforming sarcopenia research
Understanding the implications of losing muscle is made clearer through MRI studies
Why do we lose muscle mass with age?
As we look towards a future where the global population of people over 80 is set to triple by 2050, understanding and addressing age-related conditions like sarcopenia becomes increasingly crucial. Sarcopenia, characterized by the loss of muscle mass and function with age, significantly impacts mobility, increases the risk of falls, and contributes to overall frailty.
Recent strides in MRI technology are offering new hope in the fight against sarcopenia. These advancements are not just about better imaging but about gaining deeper insights into how muscles change over time and their impact on overall health.
Exercise for Science is playing a key part in this research. Our multidisciplinary team, including surgeons, biomedical engineers, biotechnologists, and radiologists from University College London and the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital is led by Dr. Alister Hart, and explores how MRI can illuminate the relationship between exercise, musculoskeletal health, and aging.
Insights into joint health
Within our study on the effects of marathon training on knee health, MRI scans revealed reversibility in pre-existing joint issues during the training and marathon. This result challenged traditional assumptions about the impact of running on joint health.
Similarly, our studies on hip health showed that marathon running did not exacerbate existing issues like labral tears or bone marrow oedema visible on MRI scans. These findings highlight the resilience of joints under moderate exercise conditions.
In another study, MRI was used to compare middle-aged men who cycle regularly with those who are physically inactive. The results were striking: cyclists exhibited lower levels of fat in their gluteal muscles and larger muscle mass compared to their sedentary counterparts. This research underscores the protective role of strong muscles in maintaining joint health and mobility.
“Our research suggested that fat infiltration in the gluteus maximus could be a valuable marker of muscle health, good mobility and healthy hips,” Prof Hart says. “Strong muscles help protect joints.”
Applying AI for deeper insights
Looking ahead, the Exercise for Science team is now harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance MRI analysis. AI tools now automate the segmentation of core and lateral hip muscles, providing precise measurements of muscle area and fat content. This approach promises to revolutionize early detection of muscle changes associated with sarcopenia, potentially leading to more effective intervention strategies.
"Our goal is to integrate these advanced imaging techniques into routine clinical assessments," explains Dr. Hart. "By combining cutting-edge MRI technology with clinical practice, we aim to improve outcomes for older adults by identifying and addressing sarcopenia earlier."
As the population ages, innovations like these offer hope for preserving muscle function and enhancing quality of life in later years. Through continued research and collaboration, our research is paving the way for a future where aging doesn't have to mean losing muscle strength and independence.
This article summarises a longer feature from Cleveland Clinic