Relationship between perioral muscle evaluation using ul­tra­so­nog­ra­phy and the feeding function and nutritional status of older adults

The purpose of this study was to examine the potential utility of ultrasonography in assessing muscle thickness and echo-intensity as a means of evaluating the feeding function and nutritional status of older adults requiring long-term care. This study included 44 older individuals （29 women and 15 men; mean age, 83.3±7.6 years） requiring long-term care. The tongue and masseter muscles were examined using ultrasonography, and muscle thickness and echo-intensity were determined. Feeding function was classified based on the foods that could be ingested using the Functional Oral Intake Scale. To assess the nutritional status of these individuals, we utilized a body composition analyzer to estimate the skeletal muscle mass index. No differences in muscle thickness were observed according to sex, feeding function, or nutritional status. We found no differences in echo-intensity based on sex or feeding function, although significantly higher values were observed in individuals suspected of having sarcopenia than in normal individuals based on their nutritional status （p＜0.01）. Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant association between masseter muscle brightness and age （p＜ 0.01）. These findings suggest that the assessment of masseter muscle echo-intensity via ultrasonography is useful or evaluating sarcopenia in older adults requiring long-term nursing care. Further, it is essential to evaluate both muscle thickness and quality in these individuals.