Evaluating Muscle Health with Multiparametric MRI after FES-Bike Exercise Training in People with Spinal Cord Injury

Motivation: Our research is driven by the need for advanced, non-invasive tools to assess the rehabilitation effectiveness in people with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Goal(s): To determine the effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)-bike exercise training on muscle health in SCI patients using multiparametric MRI (mpMRI). Approach: Four males with SCI conducted a 12-week FES-bike exercise training program. mpMRI was used to assess muscle health comprehensively considering muscle volume, fat fraction, diffusion parameters. Results: Our study demonstrated significant increase in muscle volume and decrease in fat infiltration in the thigh muscles of people with SCI after 12-weeks of FES-bike training. Impact: Our study highlights the potential of mpMRI for assessing the effectiveness of FES-bike training in people with SCI. This paves the way for more comprehensive evaluation methods, fostering precise monitoring of muscle health during rehabilitation and promoting tailored treatment strategies.