Magnetomyography for skeletal muscle function assessment: prospective applications in sarcopenia
5 affiliations
- 1Shandong Key Laboratory: Magnetic Field-Free Medicine & Functional Imaging (MF), Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- 2Department of Geriatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- 3Shandong University, Jinan, China
- 4Key Laboratory of Ultra-Weak Magnetic Field Measurement Technology, Ministry of Education, School of Instrumentation and Optoelectronic Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- 5Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ultra-Weak Magnetic-Field Space and Applied Technology, Hangzhou Innovation Institute, Beihang University, Hangzhou, China
Abstract
Sarcopenia is a progressive and generalized skeletal muscle disorder characterized by loss of muscle strength, reduced muscle quantity or quality, and impaired physical performance. It is associated with adverse outcomes including falls, fractures, physical disability, and mortality, and represents a growing global health concern. However, currently available clinical assessments provide limited information on the electrophysiological and neuromuscular alterations that may precede overt functional decline. Magnetomyography (MMG)—here defined as the non-invasive detection of biomagnetic fields generated by skeletal muscle electrical activity and distinguished from mechanomyography—offers a contactless approach to characterizing muscle electrophysiology. Recent advances in optically pumped magnetometers, portable magnetic shielding, and signal-processing methods have expanded the feasibility of MMG for detecting muscle action potentials, motor-unit activity, fatigue-related changes, and training adaptations. In this perspective review, we summarize the principles and technological development of MMG, critically evaluate current evidence for skeletal muscle assessment, and discuss its potential relevance to sarcopenia. In particular, we propose a conceptual framework in which MMG could complement established assessments by characterizing neuromuscular integrity, investigating potential neural and muscular contributions to functional decline, and monitoring responses to intervention. Importantly, direct evidence in individuals with sarcopenia is currently lacking, and MMG remains an experimental rather than clinically validated diagnostic approach.
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BibTeX
@article{li2026magnetomyography,
title = {{Magnetomyography for skeletal muscle function assessment: prospective applications in sarcopenia}},
author = {Haijun Li and Haijun Li and Zhihao Yao and Zhihao Yao and Yuankun Qi and Yuankun Qi and Yuankun Qi and Hongyu Zhang and Hongyu Zhang},
journal = {Frontiers in Physiology},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
doi = {10.3389/fphys.2026.1889632},
url = {https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2026.1889632},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Magnetomyography for skeletal muscle function assessment: prospective applications in sarcopenia
AU - Haijun Li
AU - Haijun Li
AU - Zhihao Yao
AU - Zhihao Yao
AU - Yuankun Qi
AU - Yuankun Qi
AU - Yuankun Qi
AU - Hongyu Zhang
AU - Hongyu Zhang
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/04
JO - Frontiers in Physiology
DO - 10.3389/fphys.2026.1889632
UR - https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2026.1889632
AB - Sarcopenia is a progressive and generalized skeletal muscle disorder characterized by loss of muscle strength, reduced muscle quantity or quality, and impaired physical performance. It is associated with adverse outcomes including falls, fractures, physical disability, and mortality, and represents a growing global health concern. However, currently available clinical assessments provide limited information on the electrophysiological and neuromuscular alterations that may precede overt functional decline. Magnetomyography (MMG)—here defined as the non-invasive detection of biomagnetic fields generated by skeletal muscle electrical activity and distinguished from mechanomyography—offers a contactless approach to characterizing muscle electrophysiology. Recent advances in optically pumped magnetometers, portable magnetic shielding, and signal-processing methods have expanded the feasibility of MMG for detecting muscle action potentials, motor-unit activity, fatigue-related changes, and training adaptations. In this perspective review, we summarize the principles and technological development of MMG, critically evaluate current evidence for skeletal muscle assessment, and discuss its potential relevance to sarcopenia. In particular, we propose a conceptual framework in which MMG could complement established assessments by characterizing neuromuscular integrity, investigating potential neural and muscular contributions to functional decline, and monitoring responses to intervention. Importantly, direct evidence in individuals with sarcopenia is currently lacking, and MMG remains an experimental rather than clinically validated diagnostic approach.
SN - 1664-042X
ER -