title: check if MAT file is corrupt without load
body: <p>I have a data set consisting of large number of <code>.mat</code> files. Each <code>.mat</code> file is of considerable size i.e. loading them is time-consuming. Unfortunately, some of them are corrupt and <code>load('&lt;name&gt;')</code> returns error on those files. I have implemented a try-catch routine to determine which files are corrupt. However, given the situation that only handful of them are corrupt, loading each file and checking if it is corrupt is time taking. Is there any way I can check the health of a <code>.mat</code> file without using <code>load('&lt;name&gt;')</code>?</p>
  
  <p>I have been unsuccessful in finding such solution anywhere.</p>