# Development and Clinical Translation of RPBM for Quantitative Assessment of Myofascial Pain

> **NIH NIH R61** · WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV · 2024 · $1,702,003

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Our goal is to develop and assess the clinical potential of quantitative imaging biomarkers of masticatory
myofascial pain syndrome (MMPS). MMPS afflicts nearly 10% of Americans. Many treatments have been
proposed. However, the lack of a reliable non-invasive tool for evaluating changes in myofiber microstructure
has been a major hindrance in assessing existing treatment methods and developing new therapies for
myofascial pain.
 We have recently developed methods to measure and analyze Diffusion Tensor MR Imaging (DTI) data
with varying diffusion times, DTI(t): from the time-dependent diffusion signal transverse to fibers, we extract
anatomical maps of myofiber diameter and sarcolemma permeability to water molecules, and from the time-
dependent diffusion signal along the myofibers, our preliminary results reveal sensitivity to the sarcomere
length. This innovative non-invasive quantitative approach, referred to as the random permeable barrier model
(RPBM), is based on effective medium theory, and has been validated using Monte Carlo simulations and
animal models, as well as tested in human skeletal muscle studies.
 The proposed biomarkers are the RPBM parameters for myofiber diameter, sarcolemma permeability and
sarcomere length scale. These biomarkers are highly favorable biophysical parameters of interest to study
myofiber integrity in myofascial pain syndrome (MPS): Indeed, sarcomeres have been shown to be abnormally
contracted/shortened and myofibers enlarged in myofascial trigger points observed in MPS. Treatments of
MPS including botulinum toxin A treatment may lead to reduction of myofiber diameter. Furthermore, study of
the entire muscle rather than local biopsy is needed to understand the initiation of myofascial trigger points,
which may occur when exceeding a given threshold in case of muscle overuse, trauma or psychological stress.
 In the R61 phase, we will develop and optimize the RPBM method to measure myofiber changes
associated with MMPS, with the following three aims: in Aim 1 we will establish an optimal 15-minute long MRI
protocol and processing pipeline to robustly estimate RPBM parameters. Aim2 is to establish an optimal MRI
protocol that includes the optimized 15-min DTI(t) and a 15-min protocol for conventional quantitative MRI
measures including T1, T2, and fat fraction, and evaluate their repeatability and reproducibility. Aim 3 is to
assess the diagnostic performance of the RPBM parameters.
 In the R33 phase with a clinical trial, we will determine the RPBM parameters and their combinations that
best assess and predict treatment response in MMPS. Once completed, the same RPBM method can be
directly applied to assessing other musculoskeletal areas, such as the shoulder, the upper/lower back and the
pelvis.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10954557
- **Project number:** 1R61AT012270-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV
- **Principal Investigator:** Els Fieremans
- **Activity code:** R61 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $1,702,003
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-12 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10954557

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10954557, Development and Clinical Translation of RPBM for Quantitative Assessment of Myofascial Pain (1R61AT012270-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10954557. Licensed CC0.

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