Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
08:55
Use of a Foot-Induced Digitally Controlled Resistance Device for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation in Patients with Foot Paresis
Published on: July 7, 2023
Modular MR-compatible lower leg exercise device for whole-body scanners
Reza Hosseini Ghomi1, Miriam A Bredella, Bijoy J Thomas
1Musculoskeletal Imaging and Intervention, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, YAW 6048, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Skeletal Radiology
|January 29, 2011
Summary
A new MR-compatible lower leg exercise device effectively measures calf muscle function during dynamic scans. This tool aids in assessing muscle phosphocreatine, inorganic phosphate, and pH changes during exercise.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Assessing lower leg muscle function non-invasively is crucial for understanding physiological responses.
- Dynamic exercise protocols within Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) environments present unique technical challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a modular, MR-compatible lower leg exercise device for muscle testing.
- To enable dynamic muscle function evaluation using a clinical 3 Tesla (T) MRI scanner.
Main Methods:
- Constructed a nonferrous, isotonic resistance device for plantar/dorsiflexion.
- Validated the device with five subjects during dynamic 31-phosphorus MR spectroscopy ((31)P-MRS) acquisitions.
- Measured muscle phosphocreatine (PCr), inorganic phosphate (Pi), and pH changes during a 3-minute exercise protocol at 30% maximal voluntary contraction.
Main Results:
- Muscle phosphocreatine (PCr) decreased by 28% from resting levels.
- Muscle inorganic phosphate (Pi) concentrations increased by 123%.
- Muscle pH decreased by 1.5% during the exercise regimen.
Conclusions:
- The MR-compatible lower leg exercise device is effective for dynamic calf muscle data acquisition.
- Its modular design facilitates adaptation to various MRI scanners and protocols.
- The device enables dynamic evaluation of calf muscles within MRI environments.
