Overview
- The team created detailed 3D models of the gluteus maximus to pinpoint localized structural changes beyond conventional volume or fat measures.
- Among participants with type 2 diabetes, men showed focal inward deformation indicating localized shrinkage, whereas women showed outward expansion likely reflecting intramuscular fat.
- Analysis across 86 demographic, clinical and lifestyle variables linked larger muscle shape to vigorous activity and grip strength, and associated thinning with aging, frailty and prolonged sitting.
- Authors propose that muscle-shape signatures could enable earlier detection and monitoring of metabolic decline, though predictive value and clinical utility remain unproven.
- The results are being presented at the RSNA annual meeting in Chicago from Nov. 30 to Dec. 4 as conference research rather than a peer-reviewed publication.