The relationship between quantitative magnetic resonance imaging of the ankle plantar flexors, muscle function during walking and maximal strength in people with neuromuscular diseases.
Calf muscle weakness
Diffusion tensor imaging
Muscle strength
Neuromuscular diseases
T2 imaging
Journal
Clinical biomechanics (Bristol, Avon)
ISSN: 1879-1271
Titre abrégé: Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon)
Pays: England
ID NLM: 8611877
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
04 2022
04 2022
Historique:
received:
27
10
2021
revised:
24
02
2022
accepted:
25
02
2022
pubmed:
6
3
2022
medline:
28
4
2022
entrez:
5
3
2022
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
Progression of plantar flexor weakness in neuromuscular diseases is usually monitored by muscle strength measurements, although they poorly relate to muscle function during walking. Pathophysiological changes such as intramuscular adipose tissue affect dynamic muscle function independent from isometric strength. Diffusion tensor imaging and T2 imaging are quantitative MRI measures reflecting muscular pathophysiological changes, and are therefore potential biomarkers to monitor plantar flexor functioning during walking in people with neuromuscular diseases. In fourteen individuals with plantar flexor weakness diffusion tensor imaging and T2 scans of the plantar flexors were obtained, and the diffusion indices fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity calculated. With a dynamometer, maximal isometric plantar flexor strength was measured. 3D gait analysis was used to assess maximal ankle moment and power during walking. Fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity and T2 relaxation time all moderately correlated with maximal plantar flexor strength (r > 0.512). Fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity were not related with ankle moment or power (r < 0.288). T2 relaxation time was strongly related to ankle moment (r = -0.789) and ankle power (r = -0.798), and moderately related to maximal plantar flexor strength (r < 0.600). In conclusion, T2 relaxation time, indicative of multiple pathophysiological changes, was strongly related to plantar flexor function during walking, while fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity, indicative of fiber size, only related to maximal plantar flexor strength. This indicates that these measures may be suitable to monitor muscle function and gain insights into the pathophysiological changes underlying a poor plantar flexor functioning during gait in people with neuromuscular diseases.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
Progression of plantar flexor weakness in neuromuscular diseases is usually monitored by muscle strength measurements, although they poorly relate to muscle function during walking. Pathophysiological changes such as intramuscular adipose tissue affect dynamic muscle function independent from isometric strength. Diffusion tensor imaging and T2 imaging are quantitative MRI measures reflecting muscular pathophysiological changes, and are therefore potential biomarkers to monitor plantar flexor functioning during walking in people with neuromuscular diseases.
METHODS
In fourteen individuals with plantar flexor weakness diffusion tensor imaging and T2 scans of the plantar flexors were obtained, and the diffusion indices fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity calculated. With a dynamometer, maximal isometric plantar flexor strength was measured. 3D gait analysis was used to assess maximal ankle moment and power during walking.
FINDINGS
Fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity and T2 relaxation time all moderately correlated with maximal plantar flexor strength (r > 0.512). Fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity were not related with ankle moment or power (r < 0.288). T2 relaxation time was strongly related to ankle moment (r = -0.789) and ankle power (r = -0.798), and moderately related to maximal plantar flexor strength (r < 0.600).
INTERPRETATION
In conclusion, T2 relaxation time, indicative of multiple pathophysiological changes, was strongly related to plantar flexor function during walking, while fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity, indicative of fiber size, only related to maximal plantar flexor strength. This indicates that these measures may be suitable to monitor muscle function and gain insights into the pathophysiological changes underlying a poor plantar flexor functioning during gait in people with neuromuscular diseases.
Identifiants
pubmed: 35247697
pii: S0268-0033(22)00039-0
doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2022.105609
pii:
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
105609Informations de copyright
Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.