Sarcopenia assessment in Graz
Measuring muscle mass in Graz – assessing sarcopenia early
Sarcopenia refers to a progressive loss of muscle strength and muscle mass. It occurs more often in older age, but can also be caused by illness, prolonged inactivity, malnutrition or significant weight loss.
The DEXA scan estimates muscle mass from the lean mass of the arms and legs – one piece of the medical assessment, not the whole diagnosis.
Possible signs of muscle loss
- declining strength
- difficulty standing up
- slower walking
- difficulty climbing stairs
- repeated falls
- prolonged immobility
- unintentional weight loss
First step: medical assessment
If you notice changes like these, please speak to your GP first. Loss of strength, falls or unintentional weight loss can have many causes that need to be investigated. The DEXA scan is an addition to this, not a replacement.
Assessing sarcopenia: three steps according to EWGSOP2
The European Working Group on Sarcopenia (EWGSOP2) describes how the diagnosis is made. Only one of the three steps can be measured with DEXA.
Muscle strength
According to EWGSOP2, low muscle strength is the most important initial criterion. It is assessed by a doctor, for example with a hand-grip strength test or a chair stand test.
Not measurable with DEXA
Muscle quantity
A low muscle quantity confirms the suspicion. This is where the DEXA scan comes in: it measures appendicular lean mass (ALM), i.e. the lean mass of the arms and legs.
Measurable with DEXA
Physical performance
If physical performance is also reduced – for example, a slow walking speed – this is referred to as severe sarcopenia.
Not measurable with DEXA
Measuring muscle mass: what DEXA contributes – and what it doesn't
What the scan measures
The whole-body scan determines the lean soft-tissue mass of the arms and legs (appendicular lean mass, ALM). Our report also includes the RSMI (relative skeletal muscle index): the ALM in relation to height. Lean mass is an approximation of muscle mass, not a direct measurement of the muscles.
What DEXA doesn't measure
- Grip strength
- Walking speed
- Ability to stand up from sitting
DEXA alone cannot confirm or rule out sarcopenia
Your doctor makes the diagnosis based on strength testing, muscle quantity and, where relevant, performance tests. A normal DEXA result doesn't rule out sarcopenia, and a low result doesn't prove it.
Follow-up scans on the same scanner
Results from different scanners aren't directly comparable. For follow-up checks, it's therefore best to use the same scanner under similar conditions.
Measure muscle mass as part of the assessment
The scan is carried out as a DEXA body composition scan and can be booked without a referral. You'll receive the report through the patient portal; please discuss it with your treating doctor.
The body composition scan is a private service that you can book without a referral, and costs €70 per scan, the package of two body composition scans (initial and follow-up scan) €130 (both scans within 2 years). Bone density scan and body composition scan at one appointment: 120 euros. You can currently arrange the package by phone. Please allow around 20 minutes for your appointment.
About the medical body composition scan After falls: bone density scan
Relevant health goals
Medical sources
- Cruz-Jentoft AJ, Bahat G, Bauer J, et al. Sarcopenia: revised European consensus on definition and diagnosis (EWGSOP2). Age and Ageing 2019;48(1):16–31. View source (opens in a new window)
- International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD): Official Positions – Adult, 2023 edition. View source (opens in a new window)
This page is for general information only and does not replace medical advice.