RSNA 2010 

Abstract Archives of the RSNA, 2010


SSA13-01

Longitudinal Follow-up of Changes of Body Tissue Composition in Ultra-Endurance Runners during 4.500 km Trans Europe Foot Race 2009 Measured by Whole-Body MR Imaging on a Mobile MR Imaging Truck-trailer

Scientific Formal (Paper) Presentations

Presented on November 28, 2010
Presented as part of SSA13: Musculoskeletal (Quantitative Imaging)

Participants

Uwe Hans-Werner Schuetz MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose
Juergen Machann MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose
Christian Billich, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

PURPOSE

Aim of the study is the exact quantification of body composition (whole body, body fat, visceral fat and muscle volume) while a transcontinental ultramarathon race in a longitudinal follow-up setting.

METHOD AND MATERIALS

TransEuropeFootRace 2009.04.19-06.21 from South-Italy to North Cape (4.500 km) over 64 days (60-90 km per stage) was accompanied with a mobile MRI (Avanto 1,5T, Siemens) on a Truck-Trailer (39 tons) from stage to stage through whole Europe through 6 countries. While the race each of 21 endurance runner (19 m , 2 w) got 6 whole body MRI scan s (interval: 1000 km resp. 13 days); T1-TSE tra (echo train 7), slice 10mm, 5 slices/seq., 16 sequences, 12 sec breathhold. Postprocessing of the images was performed on a computer applying a home-written segmentation program based on Matlab (Mathworks, Inc.). The following volume parameters [l] were measured: whole body (BV), body fat (BF), visceral fat (VF), abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SCAT), fat of upper resp. lower extremities (FUE, FLE), skeletal muscle upper leg and lower leg (SMV-UL, SMV-LL).

RESULTS

Volume changes: BV after whole race -4% (SD 2,5-5,8%), mainly in the first 900 km. BF after whole race -30% (SD 9-15%), after first 2000 km -26%. Non visceral fat after whole race -34% (SD 8-14 %). VF after whole race -19%, initial loss after 100 km -12%. SCAT after 40 stages (3000 km ) -35% (SD 8-12%), afterwards nearly stable. FUE resp FLE after whole race -22% resp. -37%. Reduction of mean FLE-volume was seen continuously stage by stage. Loss of muscle volume in the whole leg after the race 7% (SD: 4-11 %), nearly equal for SMV-UL or -LL.

CONCLUSION

Due to the exceptional setting of this study, unique longitudinal data regarding body muscle and body fat tissue in a multistage endurance run over 10 weeks could be generated. We found muscle mass catabolism also in the exposed muscles of the leg. This occurs in every subject. Over all nearly 34% of nonvisceral body fat has been gone after the race. But there was nearly 20% of visceral fat loss, also. Adjustment of these MRI-findings with biometrical data and laboratory will present further details regarding tissue metabolism and energy balance while running through a continent without any daily rest.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE/APPLICATION

New and detailed findings where generated in the field of sports medicine regarding energy and body balance in endurance running.

Cite This Abstract

Schuetz, U, Machann, J, Billich, C, Longitudinal Follow-up of Changes of Body Tissue Composition in Ultra-Endurance Runners during 4.500 km Trans Europe Foot Race 2009 Measured by Whole-Body MR Imaging on a Mobile MR Imaging Truck-trailer.  Radiological Society of North America 2010 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2010 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2010/9014632.html