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Published on: January 12, 2019
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Physical Activity Correlates With Skeletal Muscle MRI Findings in Individuals With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Jaclyn Tamaroff1, Nicholas Joy2, Bruce Damon3,4,5
1Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, US.
Muscle & Nerve
|December 24, 2024
Summary
Skeletal muscle MRI T2 mapping in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) correlates with accelerometer-measured activity. Lower physical activity in DMD patients is linked to increased T2 values, suggesting accelerometry as a potential biomarker for disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuromuscular Disorders
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Skeletal muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a key tool for monitoring Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) progression.
- There is a need for less burdensome biomarkers to track DMD in clinical trials, potentially using wearable devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between physical activity, measured by accelerometry, and skeletal muscle MRI parameters, specifically T2 mapping, in individuals with DMD.
Main Methods:
- DMD patients underwent skeletal muscle MRI, including calf T2 and T1 mapping.
- Participants wore an accelerometer on their wrist for 7 days to assess activity levels (vector magnitudes and fraction of time in activity groups).
Main Results:
- Increased calf T2 values showed a negative correlation with daily activity (vector magnitudes) in DMD patients.
- Longer T2 in specific muscles, like the tibialis posterior, was associated with increased sedentary time and decreased time in higher activity levels (MVPA).
- These correlations remained significant even after accounting for age, ambulatory status, and glucocorticoid use.
Conclusions:
- Skeletal muscle MRI T2 values in DMD patients are moderately correlated with objectively measured physical activity levels.
- Home-based accelerometry shows promise as a non-invasive biomarker for assessing skeletal muscle health and tracking disease progression in DMD clinical trials.
