This observational study aims to determine whether ultrasound-derived muscle biomarkers can predict isometric quadriceps muscle strength and handgrip in healthy adults aged 18-89 years.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
* Which ultrasound muscle characteristics are associated with isometric quadriceps muscle strength and handgrip? * Can ultrasound-derived biomarkers be used to develop predictive models of muscle strength in healthy adults?
Participants will undergo:
* Ultrasound assessment of the quadriceps and forearm flexor muscles; * Measurement of isometric quadriceps muscle strength and handgrip using standardized dynamometry protocols; * Assessment of functional capacity, mobility and balance; * Completion of questionnaires related to health status, physical activity, nutrition, fatigue and health-related quality of life.
The study will also assess the reliability of ultrasound measurements and explore the relationship between ultrasound variables, muscle strength, physical function and health-related factors.
Healthy adults aged 18-89 years.
Resident in Spain for at least 5 years.
Living independently in the community and able to complete all study assessments.
Able to understand and follow verbal instructions in Spanish.
Neurological, musculoskeletal, or systemic disorders affecting muscle strength or mobility.
Recent surgery or acute injury affecting the upper or lower limbs.
Recent use of medications affecting the musculoskeletal system (e.g., systemic corticosteroids for >1 week during the previous 6 months or muscle relaxants during the previous week).
Cognitive or psychiatric conditions limiting participation.
Community-dwelling healthy adults aged 18-89 years residing in Spain. Participants will be recruited through community advertisements, institutional dissemination channels, and collaborating centres. The study aims to investigate the relationship between ultrasound-derived muscle biomarkers and isometric quadriceps muscle strength and handgrip in a healthy adult population.
Case-only
Cross-sectional
Not listed
Isometric quadriceps muscle strength
Quadricpes maximal voluntary contraction measured using a handheld dynamometer according to a standardized testing protocol. Peak force will be recorded in kilograms-force (kgf).
Handgrip
Maximal voluntary handgrip measured using a hydraulic hand dynamometer according to the American Society of Hand Therapists protocol. Peak force will be recorded in kilograms-force (kgf).
Ultrasound-derived muscle biomarkers
Muscle ultrasound biomarkers obtained from standardized B-mode ultrasound images of selected quadriceps and forearm muscles. Candidate variables include muscle morphology, architecture, grayscale characteristics and texture-based parameters. The final set of ultrasound-derived biomarkers will be defined following assessor training, protocol standardization and pilot reliability analyses.
Five-repetition sit-to-stand test
Functional capacity assessed by the time required to complete five sit-to-stand repetitions according to standardised procedures. Results will be expressed in seconds. Lower values indicate better lower-limb functional capacity.
One-minute sit-to-stand test
Functional capacity assessed as the number of sit-to-stand repetitions completed in one minute according to standardised procedures. Higher values indicate better functional exercise capacity.
Timed Up and Go test
Mobility and dynamic balance assessed using the Timed Up and Go test. Results will be expressed in seconds. Lower values indicate better mobility and dynamic balance.
Modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale
Dyspnoea severity assessed using the modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale. Scores range from 0 to 4, with higher scores indicating greater breathlessness.
Age
Participant age recorded in completed years.
Weight
Participant weight recorded in kilograms.
Height
Participant height recorded in metres.
Body mass index
Body mass index calculated as weight divided by height squared.
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