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Abstract #0983

Investigating Forearm Muscle Adaptations in Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy Using Diffusion MRI: Structural Correlates of Grip Strength Deficits

Divya Joshi1,2, Alexandra Hruby1,2, Julius PA Dewald1,2,3, and Carson Ingo2,4
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States, 2Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States, 3Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States, 4Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States

Synopsis

Keywords: MSK, Diffusion Modeling, cerebral palsy, diffusion tensor imaging

Motivation: Little is known regarding in vivo forearm musculoskeletal adaptations that underlie hand weakness in hemiparetic cerebral palsy (HCP).

Goal(s): This study aimed to investigate diffusion MRI derived forearm muscle adaptations in individuals with HCP and typically developing (TD) individuals.

Approach: T1- and diffusion-weighted MR images of both forearms were acquired in 30 individuals (14 HCP, 16 TD). Interlimb differences in forearm flexor muscle geometry and DTI-derived estimates, and their impact on hand grip strength, were evaluated.

Results: In HCP, affected muscles had significantly reduced muscle volume, diffusivity, and fascicle lengths. Reduced muscle volume and diffusivity together explained 62% of the grip strength deficit.

Impact: Decreased muscle volume and altered microstructure, as indicated by reduced diffusivity, contribute to functional impairments in HCP. DTI-based diffusivity metrics non-invasively reveal crucial insights into pathophysiological changes in muscle tissue, such as muscle atrophy and fibrosis.

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