Research progress of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in sarcopenia

Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by extensive and progressive loss of mass and strength of skeletal muscle and may lead to disability, decline in quality of life, or even death. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) can simultaneously examine muscle, fat, and bone mass with the advantages of low cost, fast operation, high repeatability, and low radiation dose. This technique has become the first choice to estimate muscle mass in research and clinical practice. This review focuses on the progress of DXA application in sarcopenia.