A new ergometer-signal acquisition system usable in a highly magnetic environment

A new type of ergometer for use in an intense magnetic field (MR-environment) was developed in our department. Ergometry tests exercising the calf muscle of volunteers were performed to study the mechanical reliability and electronic accuracy of the totally computer-controlled device. Though different exercise conditions were examined, the variation in the produced cumulative work never exceeded 3%. Exercise information is graphically displayed on-line. Different protocol parameters can be changed interactively to adapt the study to the needs of the investigation. The combination of these ergometric examinations with magnetic resonance spectroscopy measurements ensures a thorough and very accurate in-vivo investigation of the human calf muscular metabolism.