Age-related changes in human skeletal muscle microstructure and architecture assessed by diffusion-tensor magnetic resonance imaging and their association with muscle strength

Abstract

Diffusion-tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DT-MRI) offers objective measures of muscle characteristics, providing insights into age-related changes. We used DT-MRI to probe skeletal muscle microstructure and architecture in a large healthy-aging cohort, with the aim of characterizing age-related differences and comparing these to muscle strength. We recruited 94 participants (43 female; median age = 56, range = 22-89 years) and measured microstructure parameters-fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD)-in 12 thigh muscles, and architecture parameters-pennation angle, fascicle length, fiber curvature, and physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA)-in the rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris longus (BFL). Knee extension and flexion torques were also measured for comparison to architecture measures. FA and MD were associated with age (β = 0.33, p = 0.001, R² = 0.10; and β = -0.36, p < 0.001, R² = 0.12), and FA was negatively associated with Type I fiber proportions from the literature (β = -0.70, p = 0.024, and R² = 0.43). Pennation angle, fiber curvature, fascicle length, and PCSA were associated with age in the RF (β = -0.22, 0.26, -0.23, and -0.31, respectively; p < 0.05), while in the BFL only curvature and fascicle length were associated with age (β = 0.36, and -0.40, respectively; p < 0.001). In the RF, pennation angle and PCSA were associated with strength (β = 0.29, and 0.46, respectively; p < 0.01); in the BFL, only PCSA was associated with strength (β = 0.43; p < 0.001). Our results show skeletal muscle architectural changes with aging and intermuscular differences in the microstructure. DT-MRI may prove useful for elucidating muscle changes in the early stages of sarcopenia and monitoring interventions aimed at preventing age-associated microstructural changes in muscle that lead to functional impairment.

Keywords: aging; diffusion tensor imaging; muscle strength; sarcopenia; skeletal muscle fibers; thigh.