Comparing D3-Creatine Dilution and Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry Muscle Mass Responses to Strength Training in Low-Functioning Older Adults
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In contrast to dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), the D3-creatine (D3Cr) dilution method provides a direct measure of skeletal muscle mass and in a cohort of older men has been strongly associated with health-related outcomes. However, sensitivity to detect changes in D3Cr-derived muscle mass due to an intervention is limited.
METHODS: Twenty-one older adults (≥70 years) with low-to-moderate physical function were randomized to a 15-week high-intensity strength training (ST) or a health education (HE) group. Full-body progressive intensity ST was performed 3 days per week.
RESULTS: The mean age was 82.1 years, with 64% females. After 15 weeks, both D3Cr muscle mass (MM; 2.29 kg; 95% CI: 0.22, 4.36) and DXA appendicular lean mass (ALM; 1.04 kg; 95% CI: 0.31, 1.77) were greater in ST group compared to HE. Baseline correlations between D3Cr MM and DXA ALM (r = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.53, 0.92) or total lean body mass (LBM; r = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.52, 0.91) were high. However, longitudinal changes in D3Cr MM were weakly correlated with changes in DXA ALM (r = 0.19; 95% CI: -0.35, 0.64) and LBM (r = 0.40; 95% CI: -0.13, 0.76). More participants showed positive response rates, defined as a >5% increase from baseline, with D3Cr MM (80%) than DXA measures (14%-43%).
CONCLUSIONS: A progressive ST intervention in low-functioning older adults increased D3Cr MM and DXA ALM. These data suggest that the D3Cr dilution is potentially sensitive to detect changes in muscle mass in…
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