Multiparametric MRI Assessment of Morpho-Functional Muscle Changes Following a 6-Month FES-Cycling Training Program: Pilot Study in People With a Complete Spinal Cord Injury
Abstract BackgroundSpinal cord injuries (SCIs) cause debilitating secondary conditions such as severe muscle deterioration, cardiovascular, and metabolic dysfunctions, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) combined with cycl...
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JMIR Publications
2025-01-01
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| Series: | JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies |
| Online Access: | https://rehab.jmir.org/2025/1/e64825 |
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| author | Alfonso Mastropietro Denis Peruzzo Maria Giovanna Taccogna Nicole Sanna Nicola Casali Roberta Nossa Emilia Biffi Emilia Ambrosini Alessandra Pedrocchi Giovanna Rizzo |
| author_facet | Alfonso Mastropietro Denis Peruzzo Maria Giovanna Taccogna Nicole Sanna Nicola Casali Roberta Nossa Emilia Biffi Emilia Ambrosini Alessandra Pedrocchi Giovanna Rizzo |
| author_sort | Alfonso Mastropietro |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description |
Abstract
BackgroundSpinal cord injuries (SCIs) cause debilitating secondary conditions such as severe muscle deterioration, cardiovascular, and metabolic dysfunctions, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) combined with cycling exercise (FES-cycling) has shown promise in improving muscle function and health in individuals with SCI.
ObjectiveThis pilot study aimed to investigate the potential role of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess muscle health during and after an FES-cycling rehabilitation program.
MethodsFour male participants with chronic SCI underwent a 6-month FES-cycling training program, consisting of two 30-minute sessions per week. MRI scans were performed at baseline (T012312
ResultsMuscle hypertrophy was observed, with an average increase in muscle volume of 22.3% at T120232
ConclusionsAlthough preliminary, this study provides evidence that 6 months of low-intensity FES-bike training can increase muscle volume and decrease fat infiltration in individuals with SCI. The study demonstrates that the use of a multiparametric MRI provides comprehensive insights into both macroscopic and microscopic changes within muscle tissues, supporting its integration into clinical practice for assessing the efficacy of rehabilitation interventions. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-17dc69a7c16e4f22b17d50a2e64f85ce |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2369-2529 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | JMIR Publications |
| record_format | Article |
| series | JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies |
| spelling | doaj-art-17dc69a7c16e4f22b17d50a2e64f85ce2025-01-27T05:11:36ZengJMIR PublicationsJMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies2369-25292025-01-0112e64825e6482510.2196/64825Multiparametric MRI Assessment of Morpho-Functional Muscle Changes Following a 6-Month FES-Cycling Training Program: Pilot Study in People With a Complete Spinal Cord InjuryAlfonso Mastropietrohttp://orcid.org/0000-0003-3358-7111Denis Peruzzohttp://orcid.org/0000-0002-9480-379XMaria Giovanna Taccognahttp://orcid.org/0000-0001-6996-7920Nicole Sannahttp://orcid.org/0009-0004-4663-0283Nicola Casalihttp://orcid.org/0009-0007-6800-5341Roberta Nossahttp://orcid.org/0000-0003-3055-2327Emilia Biffihttp://orcid.org/0000-0002-2568-9735Emilia Ambrosinihttp://orcid.org/0000-0002-6527-0779Alessandra Pedrocchihttp://orcid.org/0000-0001-9957-2786Giovanna Rizzohttp://orcid.org/0000-0002-6341-1304 Abstract BackgroundSpinal cord injuries (SCIs) cause debilitating secondary conditions such as severe muscle deterioration, cardiovascular, and metabolic dysfunctions, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) combined with cycling exercise (FES-cycling) has shown promise in improving muscle function and health in individuals with SCI. ObjectiveThis pilot study aimed to investigate the potential role of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess muscle health during and after an FES-cycling rehabilitation program. MethodsFour male participants with chronic SCI underwent a 6-month FES-cycling training program, consisting of two 30-minute sessions per week. MRI scans were performed at baseline (T012312 ResultsMuscle hypertrophy was observed, with an average increase in muscle volume of 22.3% at T120232 ConclusionsAlthough preliminary, this study provides evidence that 6 months of low-intensity FES-bike training can increase muscle volume and decrease fat infiltration in individuals with SCI. The study demonstrates that the use of a multiparametric MRI provides comprehensive insights into both macroscopic and microscopic changes within muscle tissues, supporting its integration into clinical practice for assessing the efficacy of rehabilitation interventions.https://rehab.jmir.org/2025/1/e64825 |
| spellingShingle | Alfonso Mastropietro Denis Peruzzo Maria Giovanna Taccogna Nicole Sanna Nicola Casali Roberta Nossa Emilia Biffi Emilia Ambrosini Alessandra Pedrocchi Giovanna Rizzo Multiparametric MRI Assessment of Morpho-Functional Muscle Changes Following a 6-Month FES-Cycling Training Program: Pilot Study in People With a Complete Spinal Cord Injury JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies |
| title | Multiparametric MRI Assessment of Morpho-Functional Muscle Changes Following a 6-Month FES-Cycling Training Program: Pilot Study in People With a Complete Spinal Cord Injury |
| title_full | Multiparametric MRI Assessment of Morpho-Functional Muscle Changes Following a 6-Month FES-Cycling Training Program: Pilot Study in People With a Complete Spinal Cord Injury |
| title_fullStr | Multiparametric MRI Assessment of Morpho-Functional Muscle Changes Following a 6-Month FES-Cycling Training Program: Pilot Study in People With a Complete Spinal Cord Injury |
| title_full_unstemmed | Multiparametric MRI Assessment of Morpho-Functional Muscle Changes Following a 6-Month FES-Cycling Training Program: Pilot Study in People With a Complete Spinal Cord Injury |
| title_short | Multiparametric MRI Assessment of Morpho-Functional Muscle Changes Following a 6-Month FES-Cycling Training Program: Pilot Study in People With a Complete Spinal Cord Injury |
| title_sort | multiparametric mri assessment of morpho functional muscle changes following a 6 month fes cycling training program pilot study in people with a complete spinal cord injury |
| url | https://rehab.jmir.org/2025/1/e64825 |
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