Abstract #0256

Zhong X, Spottiswoode B, Epstein F, Blemker S, Helm P, Hess A

The feasibility of using cine DENSE to quantify skeletal muscle displacement and strain was investigated. An EPI cine DENSE sequence was used to acquire displacement encoded dynamic images of biceps and triceps brachii muscles during elbow flexion. The direction of muscle tissue motion was consistent with the muscles' mechanical actions, and the peak displacements occurred along the centerline of the muscles. Strain results demonstrate nonuniform shortening along the centerline region and uniform shortening along the anterior region. Cine DENSE provides a reliable means to measure muscle displacement and strain during joint motion.