Skeletal muscle stiffness as measured by magnetic resonance elastography after chronic spinal cord injury: a cross-sectional pilot study

Neural Regen Res, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.313060 · Published: December 1, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Musculoskeletal Medicine

Simple Explanation

This study used magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) to measure muscle stiffness in people with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). The researchers compared muscle stiffness between SCI participants and able-bodied controls, and examined the relationship between muscle stiffness, muscle size, spasticity, and muscle strength. The findings suggest that muscle stiffness is altered after SCI and is influenced by muscle composition and intramuscular fat.

Study Duration

November 2017 to June 2019

Participants

10 participants with chronic SCI and 8 able-bodied controls

Evidence Level

Level III, cross-sectional pilot study

Key Findings

1
Muscle stiffness was non-significantly lower in the SCI group compared to able-bodied controls.
2
Stiffness was positively related to vastus lateralis muscle size, particularly after accounting for intramuscular fat.
3
Stiffness was also positively correlated to both isometric and isokinetic peak torques.

Research Summary

The study investigated muscle stiffness in individuals with chronic SCI using magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) and compared it to able-bodied controls. The results indicated a trend of lower muscle stiffness in the SCI group, which appeared to be influenced by intramuscular fat infiltration and modestly by spasticity. The relationship between muscle stiffness and peak torque remained consistent despite changes in the frequency of pulses or angular velocities during muscle contraction.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategies

Rehabilitation protocols should consider enhancing muscle mechanical properties to improve outcomes after SCI.

Clinical Relevance of Spasticity

The findings highlight the clinical relevance of spasticity in the SCI population, considering its impact on quality of life.

Muscle Density Considerations

Interventions should focus on reducing intramuscular fat infiltration to improve muscle density and stiffness.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size limited the statistical power of the study.
2
Failure to match SCI and AB-controls based on race may have influenced fat distribution between both groups.
3
MRI analysis to measure muscle composition and PTs were only limited to persons with SCI and not to AB controls.

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