Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT07510009

Determination of Skeletal Muscle Mass Index Values in the Turkish Population Using Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry

Sarcopenia is defined by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) as "a syndrome characterized by progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, carrying a risk of adverse outcomes such as physical disability, fractures, falls, impaired quality of life, and death." However, despite the severity of the disease, a single diagnostic criterion has not yet been established, and various guidelines have been proposed to standardize the diagnostic criteria and cut-off values. Current European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) recommendations focus on European populations and, where possible, the use of normative references from healthy young adults. Since measurements such as gait and muscle strength are height-dependent, the use of regional normative populations is recommended whenever possible. Currently, some cut-off points for the diagnosis of sarcopenia are arbitrary. The development of validated cut-off points will depend on normative data and their predictive value for endpoints. Further studies are needed to determine whether gender-specific and region-specific threshold values for the diagnosis of sarcopenia improve the prediction of sarcopenia outcomes.

There are no studies in the literature on dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry cutoff values specific to the Turkish population. In our study, we aimed to define reference cutoff values for muscle mass, muscle strength, and calf circumference in Türkiye in order to improve the general applicability of EWGSOP criteria.

Completed

Looking for future studies?

Notify Me

Key information

Conditions

Sarcopenia Atrophy Muscular Atrophy Nervous System Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Neuromuscular Manifestations Pathological Conditions, Anatomical Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Sarcopenia in Elderly Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–99 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Ankara Bilkent City Hospital

Ankara, 06800, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

When low muscle strength is detected, the patient is evaluated for possible sarcopenia; the diagnosis is confirmed by the presence of low muscle mass or quality. Severe sarcopenia is considered when low muscle strength, low muscle mass or quality are accompanied by low physical performance. Muscle strength can be assessed by measuring hand grip strength and isometric or isokinetic measurements of lower extremity strength. A wide variety of techniques are used to measure muscle mass, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and anthropometric measurements; the most suitable method should be determined based on cost, accessibility, and ease of use. Muscle mass is related to body size; that is, individuals with larger body sizes typically have greater muscle mass. Therefore, to adjust for body size, the skeletal muscle index (SMI) is calculated as appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ALM) / height² (m²). The SMI cut-off value for sarcopenia, as defined by EWGSOP2, is <5.5 kg/m² for women and <7.0 kg/m² for men. There is ongoing debate regarding the preferred adjustment and whether the same method can be used for all populations. Physical performance assessment can be measured in various ways, including walking speed, the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG).

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Having mental and physical capacity
  • Being between 18-39 and 65-99 years of age
  • Being able to ambulate independently or with support

Exclusion criteria

  • Pregnancy
  • Infection
  • Pacemaker or metallic implant
  • Peripheral circulatory disorder
  • Known concomitant malignancy, end-stage organ failure
  • Known concomitant central nervous system and/or peripheral nervous system disease
  • History of genetic disease
  • Coagulopathy
  • Amputation
  • Patients with a history of genetic disease
  • Patients weighing >120 kg

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

  1. skeletal muscle mass index

    Time frame: At the start of the work

    Skeletal muscle mass index: calculated by dividing the sum of the non-bone lean mass of the four extremities by height² (meters).

Secondary outcomes

  1. muscle strength

    Time frame: at the start of the work

    Muscle strength will be assessed by measuring hand grip strength using the Baseline hydraulic hand dynamometer (INC. White Plains NY 10602 U.S.A), which has proven validity and reliability.

  2. walking speed test

    Time frame: at the start of the work

    For the walking speed test, participants will be asked to walk 4 meters at their normal pace. Walking speed will be measured in m/s.

  3. Calf circumference

    Time frame: at the start of the work

    Calf circumference will be measured at the widest part of the calf.

  4. Mid-arm circumference

    Time frame: at the start of the work

    Mid-arm circumference will be measured standing with the shoulder abducted at 90 degrees, at the midsection of the humerus.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Ankara City Hospital Bilkent

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Apr 3, 2026
Registry last updated
Jun 17, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Related clinical trials

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.