A1 Journal article (refereed)
Characterization of Intervertebral Disc Changes in Asymptomatic Individuals with Distinct Physical Activity Histories Using Three Different Quantitative MRI Techniques (2020)

Belavy, D. L., Brisby, H., Douglas, B., Hebelka, H., Quittner, M. J., Owen, P. J., Rantalainen, T., Trudel, G., & Lagerstrand, K. M. (2020). Characterization of Intervertebral Disc Changes in Asymptomatic Individuals with Distinct Physical Activity Histories Using Three Different Quantitative MRI Techniques. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 9(6), Article 1841. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9061841

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Belavy, Daniel L.; Brisby, Helena; Douglas, Benjamin; Hebelka, Hanna; Quittner, Matthew J.; Owen, Patrick J.; Rantalainen, Timo; Trudel, Guy; Lagerstrand, Kerstin M.

Journal or series: Journal of Clinical Medicine

eISSN: 2077-0383

Publication year: 2020

Volume: 9

Issue number: 6

Article number: 1841

Publisher: MDPI

Publication country: Switzerland

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9061841

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/71041

Abstract

(1) Background: Assessments of intervertebral disc (IVD) changes, and IVD tissue adaptations due to physical activity, for example, remains challenging. Newer magnetic resonance imaging techniques can quantify detailed features of the IVD, where T2-mapping and T2-weighted (T2w) and Dixon imaging are potential candidates. Yet, their relative utility has not been examined. The performances of these techniques were investigated to characterize IVD differences in asymptomatic individuals with distinct physical activity histories. (2) Methods: In total, 101 participants (54 women) aged 25–35 years with distinct physical activity histories but without histories of spinal disease were included. T11/12 to L5/S1 IVDs were examined with sagittal T2-mapping, T2w and Dixon imaging. (3) Results: T2-mapping differentiated Pfirrmann grade-1 from all other grades (p < 0.001). Most importantly, T2-mapping was able to characterize IVD differences in individuals with different training histories (p < 0.005). Dixon displayed weak correlations with the Pfirrmann scale, but presented significantly higher water content in the IVDs of the long-distance runners (p < 0.005). (4) Conclusions: Findings suggested that T2-mapping best reflects IVD differences in asymptomatic individuals with distinct physical activity histories changes. Dixon characterized new aspects of IVD, probably associated with IVD hypertrophy. This complementary information may help us to better understand the biological function of the disc.

Keywords: spine; intervertebral disk; physical activeness; magnetic resonance imaging

Free keywords: intervertebral disc; magnetic resonance imaging; sport medicine; T2-mapping; Dixon imaging

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2020

JUFO rating: 1