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The finger-ring test as an indicator of muscle mass estimated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in an adult community-dwelling population

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2024)Cite this article

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Abstract

Introduction

The finger-ring test (FRT) offers a simple method to screen older adults at increased risk of sarcopenia.

Objective

To investigate the association between the FRT and lean soft tissue mass estimated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and to further elucidate the FRT as an indicator of muscle mass, while accounting for potential confounders, in a community-dwelling population.

Materials and methods

Within this cross-sectional study 430 community-dwelling individuals aged 18 to 79 (286 women (66.5%) and 144 men (33.5%)) were enrolled. Data regarding FRT and anthropometric measurements were collected. Whole-body composition was estimated using DXA. Binary and ordinal logistic regressions were performed.

Results

The frequency of smaller calf, just fits, and bigger calf was 17.7%, 33.7%, and 48.6%, respectively. Regardless of sex, higher appendicular lean soft tissue mass adjusted for height squared was observed for higher FRT categories (p < 0.001). For the ordinal logistic regression model, each unity of increment in appendicular lean soft tissue mass adjusted for height squared (kg/m2) was associated with a higher probability of being allocated to higher finger-ring test categories, in both genders. A higher cumulative adjusted odds ratio was found for women (7.53; 95% confidence interval: 4.58–12.38) than for men (2.99; 2.00–4.48).

Conclusion

By demonstrating an association between the appendicular lean soft tissue mass estimated by DXA and the FRT, these results strengthen the utility of this simple self-test as an indicator of muscle mass, which can be used in the primary prevention of muscle mass decline and its recovery.

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Fig. 1: Differences of appendicular lean soft tissue mass adjusted for height squared, right leg lean soft tissue mass, calf girth, and calf muscle circumference according to the categories of the finger-ring test.

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Data availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, Teresa F. Amaral, upon reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

The authors express their gratitude to all the participants involved in this study.

Funding

This work was partially financed by the North Regional Operational Program (NORTE 2020), in the framework of the project “HEALTH-UNORTE: Setting-up biobanks and regenerative medicine strategies to boost research in cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neurological, oncological, immunological and infectious diseases” [reference NORTE-01–0145-FEDER-000039]. MCR is a receiver of a doctoral scholarship funded by the Foundation for Science and Technology I.P. (FCT) (reference 2023. 01790.BD),

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. FCNAUP, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal

    Bruna Rosa, Rui Valdiviesso, Micaela Cunha-Rodrigues, Mónica Rodrigues, Maria Luisa Lucena, Nuno Borges & Teresa F. Amaral

  2. CINTESIS@RISE, MEDCIDS, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal

    Rui Valdiviesso & Nuno Borges

  3. CINTESIS@RISE, FP-I3ID FP-BHS Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal

    Rita S. Guerra, Ana S. Sousa, Joana Mendes & Cláudia Silva

  4. LAETA-INEGI/FEUP, Associated Laboratory of Energy, Transports and Aerospace, Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal

    Rita S. Guerra & Teresa F. Amaral

  5. University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS—CESPU), Gandra, Portugal

    Ana Rita Sousa-Santos

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  1. Bruna Rosa
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Contributions

Study design: TFA, NB, RV, RSG, ASS, JM, ARSS and CS. Data collection: MR, MCR, BR, MLL, and RV. Supervision: TFA. Statistical analysis: BR, RV, and TFA. First draft of the manuscript: BR. All authors reviewed and commented on subsequent drafts of the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Teresa F. Amaral.

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Rosa, B., Valdiviesso, R., Cunha-Rodrigues, M. et al. The finger-ring test as an indicator of muscle mass estimated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in an adult community-dwelling population. Eur J Clin Nutr (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-024-01550-5

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