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Intervertebral disc status is associated with vertebral marrow adipose tissue and muscular endurance

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Abstract

Purpose

Low back pain is a major public health issue. Identifying factors associated with better intervertebral disc (IVD) characteristics gives insight into IVD metabolism and highlights intervention targets for improvement of IVD health. This cross-sectional study investigates whether IVD T2-relaxation time on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is associated with vertebral fat fraction (VFF; to quantify marrow adipose tissue), trunk muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), muscle function and physical activity (PA).

Methods

Seventy-nine healthy subjects (35 males, 44 females) without history of spinal disease were included. Lumbar IVDs T2-relaxation time, lumbar VFF and CSA of multifidus, erector spinae, quadratus lumborum, and psoas muscles were quantified via MRI. Isometric trunk flexion and extension endurance times as well as habitual PA levels and exposure to occupational spine risk factors were documented. Pearson-partial correlations adjusted for anthropometric differences by controlling for vertebral body height.

Results

Higher IVD T2-time correlated with: (a) lower VFF (r = − 0.27, p < 0.05), (b) greater trunk extensor muscle endurance (r = 0.37, p < 0.01), and (c) greater trunk flexor muscle endurance (r = 0.30, p < 0.01) but not with muscle CSA. Lower VFF also correlated with greater extensor muscle endurance (r = − 0.26, p < 0.05) and habitual PA (MET-mins per week) (r = − 0.24, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This is the first study to show that better IVD hydration is associated with lower VFF and that greater physical activity is associated with favourable levels of vertebral marrow adipose tissue in young healthy individuals. Reduced vertebral marrow adipose tissue may specifically improve IVD hydration via improved nutrient supply.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the individuals who participated in this study, the staff at Imaging@OlympicPark, and the colleagues involved in the implementation of the Spine and Physical Activity Study.

Funding

This project was supported by the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University (Grant ID: Belavy 2014-2017).

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Correspondence to Matthew Quittner.

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All authors declare they have no conflicts of interest.

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Deakin University Human Ethics Advisory Group.

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Quittner, M., Rantalainen, T., Ridgers, N.D. et al. Intervertebral disc status is associated with vertebral marrow adipose tissue and muscular endurance. Eur Spine J 27, 1704–1711 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-018-5567-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-018-5567-3

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