Evaluating calf circumference for diagnosing sarcopenia in elderly hospitalized patients

Evaluation of a Diagnostic Method: Calf Circumference Versus X-ray Absorptiometry in the Diagnosis of Sarcopenia in Elderly Hospitalized Participants

Not applicable Interventional Centre Hospitalier Régional d'Orléans · NCT05869487

This study is testing if measuring calf size can help doctors diagnose sarcopenia in hospitalized patients aged 75 and older, instead of using the more complicated X-ray method.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment298 (estimated)
Ages75 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Régional d'Orléans Academic / other
Locations1 site (Orléans)
Trial IDNCT05869487 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This prospective single-center study aims to assess the effectiveness of measuring calf circumference as a diagnostic tool for sarcopenia in hospitalized patients aged 75 and older. The study compares this method to the gold standard of X-ray absorptiometry, which is not routinely performed in this population. Participants will be hospitalized individuals with indications of sarcopenia, and measurements will be taken prior to the absorptiometry assessment. The results will be analyzed in a blinded manner to ensure objectivity.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are hospitalized patients aged 75 years and older who show signs of undernutrition and decreased muscle strength.

Not a fit: Patients with phenotypic criteria for undernutrition unrelated to sarcopenia or those unable to undergo X-ray absorptiometry will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a simpler and more accessible method for diagnosing sarcopenia in elderly patients, potentially improving their care and outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of calf circumference as a diagnostic tool has been explored, this specific comparison with X-ray absorptiometry in hospitalized elderly patients is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age greater than or equal to 75 years
* Hospitalization in a medical department or in the follow-up care or rehabilitation department of the Hospital Center of Orléans
* Presence of an etiological criterion of undernutrition
* Presence of a decrease in muscle strength

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of one of two phenotypic criteria for undernutrition other than sarcopenia, which are body mass index less than 22 kilogram per square meter and weight loss (≥ 5 percent over 1 month or ≥ 10 percent over 6 months or ≥10 percent compared with usual weight before the disease).
* Refusal to participate in the study
* Patient under legal protection
* Impossible to perform X-ray absorptiometry (behavioral problems, functional constraints to climb on the DXA machine)
* Person not affiliated to a social security system

Where this trial is running

Orléans

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions SarcopeniaAbsorptiometryPhoton
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.