Abstract #1935

Advanced Exercise Ergometer Setup for in Vivo MRS Studies of Skeletal Muscle Metabolism

Susanne Heinzer-Schweizer¹, Flurin Item^2,3, Anke Henning¹, Marco Toigo^2,3, Peter Boesiger¹

¹Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; ²Institute of Physiology and Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; ³Exercise Physiology, Institute for Human Movement Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is frequently used to assess dynamic metabolic changes in skeletal muscle. To study metabolism during exercise in an MR scanner, ergometers have to be designed that are compatible with the constraints imposed by the scanner. We present an improved MRS ergometer setup for the measurement of muscular metabolism during isometric contractions of the plantarflexor muscles. Key features of the setup are a pedal with an integrated strain gauge, flexible adjustment of ankle joint angle, and real-time visual feedback for subjects on momentary contraction. Using this setup, we were able to determine metabolic parameters under standardized conditions.