Comparison of water T1 and T2 dynamics in lower extremity muscles under cuff compression paradigm

Motivation: Water-T2 (T2H2O) is a frequently used biomarker of neuromuscular active muscle damage. Complementarity with water-T1 (T1H2O) has been recently suggested, with significant correlations found between T1H2O and T2H2O values in subject with different neuromuscular disorders. Goal(s): In this work, we aimed to explore the behavior of these two biomarkers in the calf muscles of healthy volunteers under different physiological conditions. Approach: T1H2O and T2H2O were measured under different vascular filling conditions expected to modify muscle extracellular volume. Results: There was a significant correlation between T1H2O and T2H2O values in all conditions. T1H2O and T2H2O variations correlated only between the draining and recovery condition. Impact: Water relaxation times T1H2O and T2H2O were measured in the calves of volunteers under different vascular filling conditions. Their distinct behavior suggests that these two biomarkers are complementary in the study of neuromucular diseases.