Ultrasonographic Assessment of Geniohyoid Muscle Morphometry and Elasticity in Older Adults: Associations With Sarcopenia Risk and Swallowing Dysfunction

Objectives The present study aimed to investigate the associations between ultrasonographic measurements of the geniohyoid muscle and clinical screening indicators of sarcopenia, dysphagia, and physical performance in older adults. This study provides the first known sono‐elastographic evaluation of the geniohyoid muscle in relation to sarcopenia and swallowing dysfunction in older adults. Methods Thirty independently living individuals aged ≥ 65 years were included. Sarcopenia and dysphagia risk were assessed using the SARC‐F and EAT‐10 questionnaires, respectively. Physical performance was evaluated with the five times sit‐to‐stand test (5‐STS). Ultrasonographic assessments of the geniohyoid muscle were performed using a high frequency linear transducer. Cross sectional area (CSA), perimeter and elasticity of the geniohyoid muscle were measured on B‐mode images. Results CSA and perimeter were negatively correlated with SARC‐F and EAT‐10 scores ( p < 0.05). In addition, 5‐STS showed a significant negative correlation with CSA ( p < 0.05). Female participants had significantly lower CSA and perimeter and higher sarcopenia and dysphagia risk scores ( p < 0.05). No statistically significant associations were found between geniohyoid muscle elasticity and the clinical parameters ( p > 0.05). Intraobserver reliability for elasticity was assessed in a subsample ( n = 15), yielding an ICC of 0.82. Conclusions CSA and the perimeter of the geniohyoid muscle were significantly associated with sarcopenia risk, dysphagia risk, and physical performance scores. Although not statistically associated with clinical screening indicators, geniohyoid muscle elasticity was successfully measured using strain elastography, demonstrating good intraobserver reliability. Ultrasonography appears to be a practical and reproducible tool for evaluating geniohyoid muscle structure in older adults, although further validation is needed.