Title: Dynamic Imaging and Modeling of Skeletal Muscle
Abstract: We have applied strain analysis to skeletal muscle in human subjects using
cine phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (CPC-MRI) and computational tools.
CPC-MRI is a non-invasive imaging modality that allows for the measurement of the
velocity field of a moving tissue. Scanning protocols suited for skeletal muscle and postprocessing algorithms that convert velocity data to strain fields while minimizing
possible sources of error and noise. This work has focused on studies of upper extremity
muscles: the supraspinatus and biceps brachii. What we have produced may be the first
detailed measurements of the internal strain state of human muscle under normal neural
control. We have defined the non-homogeneity of strains and related these to joint
morphology and function. We have described the evolution of the principal strain
magnitudes and directions and their distribution throughout the muscle throughout
eccentric, isometric and concentric behaviors. We will propose a framework to develop
mathematical models relating overall joint motions to the internal stresses within a
muscle and to the neural activation using finite element methods. We believe this work
will allow for the investigation of muscle function and dysfunction, pathology, aging and
fatigue in a way that has never been done before by observing it as a continuum material.
We will propose our future work in this respect.