A recent AMRA study associates function, strength & mobility with MRI-powered muscle composition markers in the acclaimed SOMMA study
LINKÖPING, Sweden, March 22, 2024 – Researchers from AMRA Medical, together with Linköping University, AdventHealth Translational Research Institute, and California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, recently presented an abstract at the International Conference on Frailty and Sarcopenia Research (ICFSR) on March 21, 2024. The abstract features the findings of an analysis which aimed to characterize the association of muscle composition with strength and function in older individuals enrolled in the expansive Study of Muscle, Mobility, and Aging (SOMMA).
The SOMMA study used AMRA’s rapid magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol to image 520 women and 359 men aged 70 and up.The images were assessed for thigh fat-free muscle volume (MV) and muscle fat infiltration (MFI) levels. Data from the U.K. Biobank was then used to calculate a sex-, height-, weight-, and BMI-independent muscle volume z-score (MVz) for each of the participants. Adjusted for sex-specificity, the correlations between these three compositional measurements with performance on seven total tests designed to assess function and mobility, such as the 400- and 4-metre walk-tests & stair climb total time test, were examined.
The findings revealed strong correlations between muscle composition and both the peak leg power and the 400m walk tests, especially noting the significant role of MFI and MVz on functional capacity. These correlations were notably stronger for MVz compared to MV, illustrating the power of the personalized muscle volume assessments made possible with AMRA’s technology, over absolute volume measures. However, correlations were even stronger for MFI, underscoring the importance of addressing muscle composition rather than focusing on muscle quantity (mass or volume) alone. The study also highlighted that these associations were similar—if not slightly stronger—in men compared to women. AMRA hopes that these insights from the pivotal SOMMA study will pave the way for more targeted treatment approaches for patients.
Adverse muscle composition is associated with an increase in morbidity & mortality, as well as a diminished quality-of-life and poor function, not only in the general population, but also in metabolic disorders. AMRA is utilizing their novel body composition platform, AMRA® Researcher, to deliver more personalized insights for patients and providers alike – upholding their commitment to advancing research and clinical care.
Follow AMRA on LinkedIn for the latest updates on how AMRA and the use of MRI-based body composition analysis are advancing disease research in sarcopenia and beyond.
Learn more about AMRA Medical’s MRI-based solutions at https://amramedical.com/solutions, or connect with our team of experts for a detailed discussion at info@amramedical.com.
About AMRA Medical
AMRA Medical is a health informatics and precision medicine company that is pioneering body composition analysis, providing cutting-edge solutions to advance both clinical research and patient care initiatives. AMRA’s gold-standard technology delivers multiple fat and muscle biomarkers – derived simply from rapid whole-body MRI scans. AMRA is committed to driving transformative care and simplifying vital decision-making in both research and clinical care settings by offering support services via their innovative platform.
MEDIA CONTACT INFORMATION:
Marie Börjesson, VP Brand & Marketing
0046 70 628 1977
marie.borjesson@amramedical.com