This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the relationship between MRI-based paraspinal muscle fatty degeneration, bone mineral density (BMD), and sarcopenia parameters in postmenopausal women. A total of 100 participants aged 60-80 years will be included. Lumbar paraspinal fatty infiltration will be evaluated both qualitatively using the Goutallier classification and quantitatively using ImageJ software to calculate muscle area, fat area, fat ratio, and functional muscle area. BMD and T-scores of the lumbar spine (L1-L4) and femoral neck will be measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Sarcopenia will be diagnosed based on EWGSOP2 criteria, including muscle mass (assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis), handgrip strength, and physical performance tests (gait speed, SPPB, TUGT, and 5STS). Sarcopenia-specific quality of life will be assessed using the Sarcopenia Quality of Life Questionnaire (SarQoL-TR). The study aims to clarify the associations among paraspinal muscle quality, bone health, and sarcopenia, providing a comprehensive understanding of muscle-bone interactions in postmenopausal women. Findings may support the use of paraspinal muscle evaluation as a complementary marker in the management of sarcopenia and osteoporosis.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
100
Beylikdüzü State Hospital
Istanbul, Beylikdüzü, Turkey (Türkiye)
MRI-derived paraspinal fat ratio
Evaluation of the association between MRI-derived paraspinal fat ratio and lumbar (L1-L4) and femoral neck BMD values measured by DXA.
Time frame: Baseline
Lumbar Bone Mineral Density (BMD)
Lumbar (L1-L4) BMD (g/cm²) measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
Time frame: Baseline
Lumbar T-Score
T-scores of L1-L4 vertebrae obtained from DXA scans.
Time frame: Baseline
Femoral Neck BMD
BMD (g/cm²) and T-score values of the femoral neck measured by DXA.
Time frame: Baseline
Femoral Neck T-Score
BMD (g/cm²) and T-score values of the femoral neck measured by DXA.
Time frame: Baseline
Sarcopenia-Specific Quality of Life (SarQoL) Total Score
Quality of life specific to sarcopenia was assessed using the validated Turkish version of the Sarcopenia Quality of Life Questionnaire (SarQoL-TR). The questionnaire consists of 55 items across seven domains: physical and mental health, locomotion, body composition, functionality, activities of daily living, leisure activities, and fears. The total score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better quality of life and lower scores reflecting greater functional limitation and poorer health perception related to sarcopenia.
Time frame: Baseline
Goutallier Index
The Goutallier classification was used to visually assess the degree of fatty degeneration in the lumbar paraspinal muscles (L1-L4) on axial MRI images. Each level was graded from 0 to 4, where Grade 0 indicates normal muscle without fat, and Grade 4 represents fat content greater than muscle tissue (\>50%). Higher grades indicate greater fatty infiltration and poorer muscle quality.
Time frame: Baseline
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