Diffusion tensor imaging combined with T2 mapping to quantify changes in the skeletal muscle associated with training and endurance exercise in competitive triathletes.
Eur Radiol
; 30(5): 2830-2842, 2020 May.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-31953666
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES:
Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DTI) and T2 mapping enable the detection of exercise-induced changes in the skeletal muscle microenvironment. This study prospectively quantified DTI metrics and T2 relaxation times of thigh muscles in competitive triathletes at rest and following a triathlon race in comparison with sedentary controls.METHODS:
Twenty-two triathletes (males N = 16, females N = 6) and twenty-three controls (males N = 16, females N = 7) underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on a 3 T system at baseline (time point 1; 72 h at rest). Twelve triathletes (males N = 8, females N = 4) underwent a second scan (time point 2; 3 h of completing a triathlon race). The tensor eigenvalues (λ1, λ2, λ3), mean diffusivity (MD), fractional anisotropy (FA), and T2 times were compared between controls and triathletes at time point 1 and triathletes at time points 1 and 2 using independent and paired t tests.RESULTS:
In comparison with the controls at time point 1, the T2 times of rectus femoris (RF, p < 0.02), adductor magnus (AM, p = 0.02), biceps femoris (BF, p < 0.001), semitendinosus (ST, p = 0.005), and semimembranosus (SM, p = 0.003) muscles were significantly increased in triathletes. At time point 2 in triathletes, the average tensor metrics (MD, λ3/ λ1) of BF, ST, and SM muscles increased (p < 0.05) and FA values in ST and SM muscles decreased (p < 0.03). T2 times were not significantly changed between both time points in triathletes.CONCLUSION:
Our results indicate that this multiparametric MRI protocol allows detection and quantification of changes in the skeletal muscle microenvironment caused by endurance training and acute strenuous exercise. KEY POINTS ⢠Endurance training results in changes to the skeletal microstructure, which can be quantified using MRI-based diffusion tensor imaging. ⢠The combined application of MRI diffusion tensor imaging and T2 mapping allows the differentiation of microstructural changes caused by active exercise or endurance training. ⢠Environmental adaptations of the skeletal muscle caused by physical training are influenced by gender.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Coxa da Perna
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Exercício Físico
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Tolerância ao Exercício
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Músculo Esquelético
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Imagem de Tensor de Difusão
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Atletas
Tipo de estudo:
Observational_studies
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Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Adult
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Female
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Humans
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Male
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2020
Tipo de documento:
Article