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Skeletal muscle index normalises appendicular muscle mass by height squared, so muscle adequacy can be judged independently of stature. The EWGSOP2 sarcopenia thresholds are 7.0 kg/m2 for men and 5.5 kg/m2 for women. 22 kg of limb muscle at 1.72 m gives 7.44 kg/m2 - above the cut-off but not by a wide margin.
Skeletal muscle index
SMI = appendicular muscle mass / height(m)^2
EWGSOP2 cut-offs
7.0 kg/m2 men, 5.5 kg/m2 women
These figures are population-average estimates, not a medical assessment or diagnosis. Body composition equations carry errors of several percentage points, and healthy ranges vary with age, ethnicity, muscularity and medical history. Discuss weight or body composition goals with a qualified clinician or dietitian.
The muscle in the arms and legs only, measured by DEXA or bioimpedance. It excludes trunk muscle because limb mass tracks function better.
Progressive resistance training with adequate protein reliably increases muscle mass and strength even in the very elderly.