Evaluating quadriceps function is key in the context of sarcopenia. A pneumatic ergometer was built to allow performing knee extensions in supine position. An increasing-load, 13-min-long, isotonic exercise was successfully performed by volunteers during interleaved 1H MRI/1H MRS/31P MRS acquisitions in the quadriceps. Work, pedal displacement and velocity values per stroke and the maximum voluntary torque were measured with the ergometer. End-of-exercise [PCr] decreased (69±10%) and T2* increased (up to 10.5±7.2% in Rectus Femoris) relative to baseline. Simultaneous vascular, metabolic and physical effort evaluations during an incremental physical test could be a powerful method to investigate muscle quality in aging.
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