title: Characteristics of a MR-compatible ankle exercise ergometer for a 3.0 T head-only MR scanner.
abstract: An exercise ergometer, for isometric or dynamic contraction of both dorsiflexion and/or plantarflexion exercise, was designed and constructed for a 3.0 T head-only MR scanner. The principal features of this MR-compatible ergometer include electronic devices for quantification of force (during isometric exercise) and angular displacement (during dynamic exercise), without any significant losses to external motions or frictions. The ergometer was also made to be adjustable for subject leg length and was designed for suspension within the bore of the magnet to eliminate transmission of force and vibration to the MR scanner. A description of the design and construction, as well as the important technical features, is presented herein.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Biophysics, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ont., Canada N6A 5C1. graymer@lri.sjhc.london.on.ca
authors.forename: Graydon H
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Raymer
authors.forename: Brian L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Allman
authors.forename: Charles L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Rice
authors.forename: Greg D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Marsh
authors.forename: R Terry
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Thompson
mesh_terms: D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology*; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D018511:Systems Integration