earticle

영어

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined sex-specific differences in the associations between ultrasound-derived muscle parameters and measures of strength and physical function in older adults. Comprehensive searches in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus idenfied studies reporting sex-stratified correlations between ultrasound parameters and functional outcomes. Correlation coefficients were transformed using Fisher’s z, analyzed via random-effects models, then back-transformed to Pearson’s r. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2statistic, and publication bias via funnel plots and Egger’s test.Analysis of 39 studies revealed that ultrasound-derived muscle parameters were consistently correlated with strength assessments across sexes, including maximal and handgrip strength (males: muscle thickness [MT], r = 0.30–0.42; echo intensity [EI], r = -0.34 to -0.38; females: MT, r = 0.34–0.37; EI, r = -0.34 to -0.35; all p > 0.05). However, for explosive power, both MT and EI had stronger associations in males than females (MT: r = 0.70 vs. 0.42; EI: r = -0.52 vs. -0.27; both p < 0.05). In gait function, MT was positively correlated in females (r = 0.22, p < 0.05) but not in males (r = -0.03, p = 0.62). Additionally, EI correlations were significantly stronger in females than males in the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test (r = 0.40 vs. 0.19, p < 0.05). MT and EI were comparably associated with strength across sexes but demonstrated stronger relationships with explosive power in males. Conversely, females showed more pronounced associations between ultrasound parameters and functional performance, indicating importance of sex-specific considerations in ultrasound-based musculoskeletal assessments among older adults.