Introduction to Sarcopenia

Researchers at Nottingham Trent University are working on a wearable device designed to detect and monitor sarcopenia, a condition characterized by the loss of muscle mass, function, and strength that commonly affects older adults.

Understanding Sarcopenia

• Affects approximately 10% of individuals over the age of 60.
• Linked to decreased mobility and a higher risk of falls.
• Difficult to diagnose due to the absence of objective, quantitative assessment tools.

The Axoband Solution

To tackle these challenges, a team from Nottingham Trent University, Newcastle University, and Axomics Medical Ltd is developing the Axoband, a smart textile band that:

• Measures electrical signals produced by muscles.
• Utilizes an embedded electronic sensor to monitor movement.

Expert Insights

Project lead, Professor Yang Wei, emphasized the importance of this innovation, stating:

“There is currently no quality way to diagnose, monitor and assess sarcopenia. With sarcopenia becoming a growing problem in an ageing population, this is crucial in ensuring people are diagnosed more quickly and efficiently, allowing the right measures to be put in place as soon as possible.”

Economic Impact

The economic burden of sarcopenia is significant, with muscle weakness and related falls costing the UK approximately £2.5 billion annually. The global prevalence of sarcopenia is expected to increase by over 25% in the next 25 years as the population ages.

Benefits of Early Diagnosis

Having a reliable method for diagnosing and monitoring sarcopenia will enable healthcare providers to:

1. Initiate treatment earlier.
2. Identify effective interventions, including nutritional, exercise, and pharmaceutical options.
3. Help mitigate the severity or delay the onset of clinical frailty.

Features of the Axoband

The Axoband is designed to be:

• Low-cost to manufacture.
• Stretchable and washable.

Custom software will analyze signals from the band during clinical tests, providing a quantitative assessment of muscle health, while an accompanying app will indicate the likelihood of sarcopenia.

Funding and Future Development

This research is supported by Wellcome Leap’s global Dynamic Resilience programme, in collaboration with the Temasek Trust, aiming to reduce the progression to frailty in individuals over 65 by 25%, thereby enhancing the quality of life for older adults.

Conclusion

Dr. Annette Pantall, co-principal investigator and CEO of Axomics Medical Ltd, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating:

“This innovative device will make a tremendous difference to the quality of life of older adults and also to people with muscle loss associated with chronic diseases such as diabetes, liver disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer.”