Lumbar paraspinal muscle signal intensity

Aging over 4 years are associated with lumbar paraspinal muscle signal intensity in humans (+39.1% from baseline).

“muscle SI increased markedly by 39.1% (P < .001), indicating substantial deterioration in muscle quality.”

Humanscommunity-dwelling older adultslumbar paraspinal muscle4 yearsn = 66

Muscle Quality Deteriorates More Rapidly Than Muscle Quantity in Lumbar Paraspinal Muscles: A 4-Year Longitudinal MRI Study

Journal of the American Medical Directors Association·22 Jul 2026