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Accurate work-rate measurements during in vivo MRS studies of exercising human quadriceps

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Abstract

Introduction

Given that we have reached a point in the field of muscle energetics where absolute measurements are warranted to take the area forward, we designed an ergometer, including two force and two displacement transducers, allowing dynamic and isometric knee extension within a MR system and accurate measurements of power output.

Methods

On the basis of repeated measurements, the force and displacement transducers accuracy was 1% for values ranging from 0 to 394 N and 4% for values ranging from 0 to 20 cm. In addition, measurements were not affected by magnetic field. MRS experiments in exercising muscle were conducted in eight subjects. They performed two standardized dynamic alternate leg extension exercises (25 and 35% of MVC) while the corresponding metabolic changes were measured using 31P-MRS.

Results

The mean power output produced during both exercises were 63 ± 16 and 81 ± 15 W while the eccentric work was reduced i.e. 12 ± 14 and 21 ± 6 W for the moderate and heavy exercise respectively. The corresponding metabolic changes were significant with a 20–40% PCr depletion and an end of exercise pH ranging from 0.02 to 0.70 pH units.

Conclusion

Overall, the present ergometer allows quadriceps exercise in a MR system and should be useful for future metabolic studies for which reliable and absolute quantification of power output is warranted.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre de Resonance Magnetique Biologique et Medicale, UMR CNRS 6612, Faculté de Médecine de Marseille, 27Bd Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France

    Gwenael Layec, Christophe Vilmen, Yann Le Fur, Patrick J. Cozzone & David Bendahan

  2. Efficience et déficience motrices, EA 2991, Faculté des Sciences du Sport, UFR STAPS, 700, av du pic Saint Loup, 34090, Montpellier, France

    Aurélien Bringard, Jean-Paul Micallef & Stéphane Perrey

  3. INSERM ADR 08, 99 rue Puech Villa, 34197, Montpellier Cedex 5, France

    Jean-Paul Micallef

Authors
  1. Gwenael Layec
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  2. Aurélien Bringard
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  3. Christophe Vilmen
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  4. Jean-Paul Micallef
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  5. Yann Le Fur
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  6. Stéphane Perrey
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  7. Patrick J. Cozzone
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  8. David Bendahan
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Correspondence to David Bendahan.

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Layec, G., Bringard, A., Vilmen, C. et al. Accurate work-rate measurements during in vivo MRS studies of exercising human quadriceps. Magn Reson Mater Phy 21, 227–235 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10334-008-0117-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10334-008-0117-3

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