"Muscle quality": rethinking an imprecise term

Authors

• Jarson P. Costa-Pereira, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
• M Cristina Gonzalez, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
• Alfonso J. Cruz-Jentoft, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
• Bret H. Goodpaster, Translational Research Institute, Orlando, FL
• Robin M. Daly, Deakin University School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
• Ana P T Fayh, Federal University of Health Sciences from Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
• Steven B. Heymsfield, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA
• Carla M. Prado, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-6-2025

Publication Title

European Geriatric Medicine

Abstract

The term "muscle quality" is widely used in both research and clinical settings, yet a universally accepted definition currently does not exist. Studies addressing "muscle quality" encompass a broad range of functional and morphological characteristics of skeletal muscle, leading to inconsistent interpretations. Aligning with global efforts to adopt standardized and precise terminology, this paper aims to clarify the most frequently assessed parameters under the umbrella of "muscle quality", describe the accurate definitions, and emphasize their clinical significance. Establishing a future unified framework and terminology will be essential for advancing research, ensuring comparability across studies, and reinforcing the clinical applicability of muscle health assessments. Until then, muscle composition, muscle architecture, and muscle-specific strength may serve as appropriate terms to describe the morphological and functional aspects, respectively.

First Page

11

Last Page

24

DOI

10.1007/s41999-025-01373-y

Rights

Copyright © 2025, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to European Geriatric Medicine Society

Recommended Citation

Costa-Pereira, Jarson P.; Gonzalez, M Cristina; Cruz-Jentoft, Alfonso J.; Goodpaster, Bret H.; Daly, Robin M.; Fayh, Ana P T; Heymsfield, Steven B.; and Prado, Carla M., ""Muscle quality": rethinking an imprecise term" (2025). LSU-LCMC Cancer Center Faculty Publications. 126.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/llcc_facpubs/126
10.1007/s41999-025-01373-y