Gastrocnemius muscle thickness and its influence on physical performance among subjects with sarcopenia and plantar fasciitis. An ultrasonographic analysis

Ponni Priyanka A S, Rajeev Pulimi, Geetha Hari Priya G A, P. Antony Leo Aseer, Subbiah. K, Sharath Raj Mohan Doss

Ponni Priyanka A S, Rajeev Pulimi, Geetha Hari Priya G A, P. Antony Leo Aseer, Subbiah. K, Sharath Raj Mohan Doss – Gastrocnemius muscle thickness and its influence on physical performance among subjects with sarcopenia and plantar fasciitis. An ultrasonographic analysis –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(4); 173-178

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZGA431WLRG

Abstract
Background. Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a frequent source of heel pain, caused by repetitive strain, micro-tears, and inflammation of the plantar fascia. Age-related loss of gastrocnemius muscle thickness (GMT) and its functional impact in individuals with PF remains underexplored.
Aim. The study aimed to evaluate the influence of gastrocnemius muscle thickness (GMT) on physical performance in sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic individuals with PF.
Methodology. Patients with heel pain were assessed for PF using the Windlass test. Those who tested positive underwent sarcopenia screening via the SARC-CalF questionnaire, followed by ultrasound imaging to measure medial GMT. Gait speed was measured using the 4-Meter Walk Test (4MWT), and the data were analyzed.
Results. The sarcopenic group exhibited significantly reduced GMT and slower gait speed compared to the non-sarcopenic group (p < 0.001). A negative correlation was found between muscle thickness and gait speed, indicating that decreased GMT adversely affects physical performance.
Conclusion. Gastrocnemius muscle thickness has minimal influence on physical performance in sarcopenic individuals and moderate influence in non-sarcopenic individuals with PF.
Key words
plantar fasciitis, sarcopenia, gastrocnemius muscle thickness, ultrasound, gait speed
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Sarcopenia prevalence in association with cardiovascular diseases considering young adults’ cohort: a narrative review

Lina H. Anwer, Kalyana Reddy

Lina H. Anwer, Kalyana Reddy – Sarcopenia prevalence in association with cardiovascular diseases considering young adults’ cohort: a narrative review –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(2); 274-279

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG00E1CHD8

Abstract
Introduction. Sarcopenia, marked by a progressive decline in muscle strength and physical performance with age, is increasingly acknowledged as a critical public health concern, particularly in the context of cardiovascular diseases. While sarcopenia can manifest at any age, the condition is more commonly observed in older adults, as the natural aging process, along with various factors including inadequate nutrition, inactivity, and conditions characterized by inflammation, contribute to the progressive loss of muscle performance and power over time. Notably, the emergence of “sarcopenic obesity” has become a growing global phenomenon, characterized by a simultaneous decline in muscle quantity and functionality alongside an excess of adipose tissue, primarily visceral. This combination of factors poses a significant risk for circulatory disorders and glucose metabolism disorders, as the accumulation of visceral fat around critical organs can stimulate systemic inflammation.
Objective. Furthermore, stroke-induced sarcopenia has been recognized as a distinct condition, where the muscle wasting and disability experienced by stroke patients can have profound implications for their overall health and recovery. This narrative review aims to synthesize the current evidence on the extent of sarcopenia and its association with cardiovascular diseases.
Methods. Sarcopenia is increasingly common, with research showing that approximately 50% of patients needing rehabilitation exhibit this condition. It is linked to significant negative outcomes, including impaired physical function, difficulty swallowing, malnutrition, and a lower chance of returning home.
Results. The review of recent studies highlights the growing body of findings demonstrating a link between sarcopenia and cardiovascular risk, particularly in the context of stroke.
Conclusions. Incorporating routine screening and targeted interventions for sarcopenia into clinical practice may have significant implications for improving cardiovascular health and patient outcomes.
Key words
sarcopenia, cardiovascular disease, physical inactivity, Body mass index
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Assessing the severity of sarcopenia in cirrhotic patients independent to conventional prognostic scores

Elham Mohamed Sobhy, Heba Mahmoud Mohamed, Heba Ahmed Kamal, Nevien Ezzat Elliethy, Mohammed Sayed Hassan


Elham Mohamed Sobhy, Heba Mahmoud Mohamed, Heba Ahmed Kamal, Nevien Ezzat Elliethy, Mohammed Sayed Hassan – Assessing the severity of sarcopenia in cirrhotic patients independent to conventional prognostic scores. Fizjoterapia Polska 2022; 22(2); 60-69

Abstract
Purpose. To assess the severity of sarcopenia in liver cirrhosis patients by comparing them to control participants and determining its relation to conventional prognostic scores for liver cirrhosis, such as (CTP and MELD) scores.
Methods. This prospective observational study was conducted on 101 cirrhotic patients and 30 healthy participants aged (40–70 y.o.). Mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) and HGS were measured. BMI, Nutrition risk sore (NRS), Child-Pugh and MELD scores were calculated. CT L3 psoas volume, surface area and psoas muscle index (PMI) were measured. Ultrasonography was used to assess mid-upper arm and mid-thigh. Quadriceps muscle index (QMI) was calculated. It was determined how long the patient would be admitted to the hospital.
Results. According to the HGS cutoff established by the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH), 87 percent of the patients were sarcopenic.  Psoas muscle index (PMI) was (4.6 for male, 3.19 cm/m
 for female) and Quadricepes muscle index (QMI) cutoff was (1.67 for male, 1.58 cm/m2 for female) based on the FNIH HGS cutoff. CT L3 Psoas and ultrasound parameters showed significant negative correlation with (Child and MELD) scores, duration of hospital stay and NRS. Also, they showed a significant positive correlation with HGS. We found a positive correlation between PMI and QMI with (p < 0.001). AUC in Roc analysis for QMI considering sarcopenia by PMI was 0.9.
Conclusion. Sarcopenia, as measured by CT psoas, ultrasonography, and HGS in cirrhotic patients, is an independent predictor of liver disease severity. USG and HGS are bedside methods that are as sensitive as CT for assessing sarcopenia.
Key words:
Sarcopenia, cirrhosis, CT L3 psoas, ultrasonography, HGS
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