Non-Invasive Wearable Microwave Sensing for Sarcopenia and Sarcopenic Obesity

Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity are critical health conditions characterized by the loss of muscle mass, strength, and function, often accompanied by an increase in fat mass. These conditions significantly impact mobility and quality of life, particularly in aging populations. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as imaging techniques and biopsies, are often invasive, costly, or inaccessible for continuous monitoring. This article introduces a portable, non-invasive, and cost-effective microwave sensing system designed to diagnose and monitor sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity. The sensor system employs a pair of bow-tie antennas with resonance-based reflectors in a wearable configuration strategically positioned mainly on the thigh region of the human body. The chosen placements ensure optimal proximity to major muscle groups, enabling precise and reliable data acquisition. The system captures transmission coefficient magnitude and phase parameters to assess muscle quality and body composition. Advanced electromagnetic simulations are conducted using 3D human body models in CST Microwave Studio to validate the system. These models incorporate anatomically realistic tissue properties and are used to optimize sensor design and placement. The sensor’s ability to measure changes in dielectric properties associated with muscle and fat content provides a novel, safe, and repeatable method for evaluating musculoskeletal health.