Relationship between Echo Intensity of Vastus Lateralis and Knee Extension Strength in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: This study aimed to determine the association between echo intensity (EI) of vastus lateralis and knee extension strength (KES) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: This retrospective study included a total of 304 patients (189 males and 115 females) with T2DM who were hospitalized for treatment or care. EI and muscle thickness (MT) of the right vastus lateralis were assessed from transverse ultrasound images. Maximal isometric KES was evaluated using a dynamometer and normalized for body weight (%KES). Results: %KES was significantly positively correlated with MT and stages of change for exercise behavior, and significantly negatively correlated with age, T2DM duration, and EI. %KES was significantly higher in male than in female. %KES was significantly higher in non-diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) than in DPN. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that sex, age, T2DM duration, EI, and stages of change for exercise behavior were significant determinants of %KES. Conclusion: The study results suggest that EI is associated with %KES in patients with T2DM.