Martijn Froeling1,2, Gustav J. Strijkers1,
Mario Maas2, Klaas Nicolay1, Aart J. Nederveen2
1Biomedical NMR, Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven,
Netherlands; 2Department of Radiology, Academic Medical Center,
University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Very mild muscle damage cannot be evaluated using traditional techniques. Diffusion tensor imaging is a noninvasive technique that allows the quantification of the diffusion properties of water in anisotropic tissue in vivo. We hypothesize that diffusion perpendicular to the fiber direction will increase because of swelling or disruption of diffusion-hindering membranes. This could serve as an early indicator for exercise induced muscle injury. To investigate this hypothesis we acquired DTI data of 5 amateur long distance runners one week before, and 2 days and 3 weeks after they participated in a marathon.We have shown that rigorous muscle exercise by running increases the diffusivity of water in skeletal muscles that are known to suffer most, like the ST and BF