Ultrasonographic Geniohyoid Muscle Measurements and Their Relationship With Quality of Life and Functional Outcomes in Older Patients With Stroke

Background and Aims To our knowledge, no previous study has comprehensively examined the relationship between geniohyoid (GH) muscle characteristics and key functional outcomes in patients with stroke. We aimed to investigate the associations between ultrasonographic GH muscle indices and clinical outcomes, including quality of life, mobility, functionality, and disability, with a focus on an older subgroup. Methods In this prospective cross‐sectional study, we enrolled patients who had a stroke with dysphagia. Quality of life, mobility, and functional status were evaluated using the Stroke‐Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS‐QOL), the Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI), and Brunnstrom Recovery Stages, respectively. Disability was assessed with the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and ambulation ability was determined using the functional ambulation classification (FAC). We measured GH muscle thickness (GHMT) and cross‐sectional area (GHCSA) via ultrasonography. Results Fifty‐seven patients (56.1% male) with a mean age of 65 ± 10.4 years were recruited. In the total group, GHMT was positively correlated with SS‐QOL, RMI total, gross motor functions, leg and trunk, and FAC ( p < 0.05) and negatively correlated with mRS ( p = 0.026). The GHCSA was significantly associated with SS‐QOL, all RMI subdomains, Brunnstrom hand stages, and FAC ( p < 0.05). The SS‐QOL and FAC scores were found to be independently associated with both GHMT and GHCSA even after multiple adjustments. In the older subgroup, GHCSA remained correlated with SS‐QOL and RMI scores while GHMT showed no significant associations. Conclusion The GHCSA demonstrated significant correlations with quality of life and mobility in both total and older subgroups. As the first study, these findings suggest that GH muscle may serve as a potential biomarker for assessing poststroke quality of life and functional status.