Sarcopenia is defined as the age-related loss of muscle mass and function, occurring in 5-13% of individuals at 60 years of age, leading to increases in premature mortality, functional decline, falls and hospitalisations.

Age-related declines in muscle function are three times greater than those which occur in muscle mass, as changes such as motor unit loss lead to reduced muscle quality. Therefore it is crucial to assess muscle function, mass and quality in order to fully understand the determinants and consequences of sarcopenia.

Studies of sarcopenia to date have focused on identifying factors influencing decline, whereas less well known are the factors which determine peak muscle function. A similar concept of ‘peak bone mass’ is well established in the osteoporosis field, through which several key early-life determinants of bone mass have been identified. Strong relationships exist between muscle and bone, and around a third of individuals with sarcopenia also have osteoporosis. As a result, early-life influences on bone mass accrual may also involve effects on muscle function.

This project will examine whether early-life factors found to influence peak bone mass acquisition, also affect the attainment of peak muscle function. Furthermore, we aim to identify novel factors that contribute to peak muscle function. To do this, we propose to invite attendees to the ALSPAC@30 clinic to undergo a mid-calf peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) scan, from which muscle mass and density will be derived. We will also use jumping mechanography, a quick, highly-repeatable, sensitive method of assessing muscle function.