Muscle evaluation using magnetic resonance images

Using a magnetic resonance unit, we measure people's legs and lumbar areas. Then we compute the surface area of the muscles and fat from those images, and evaluate the ratio of muscle to fat, the balance between the muscles on the front and back of the legs, and other parameters.

Measurements of body fat percentages

If people have more fat than necessary, it can cause lifestyle illnesses, and for athletes, it puts extra weight on the body. At the Sports Photonics Laboratory, we use the highly accurate evacuation-replacement method to measure the percentage of body fat.

Measurements of isokinetic muscle force

Isokinetic muscle force measurements focus mainly on the extension and contraction of knee joints and hip joints. We can evaluate the maximum muscle force and measure the balance between the extension and contraction muscle force, the muscle balance between the left and right legs, and other factors.

Bone density measurements

Bone density can be evaluated by measuring the speed at which ultrasound waves pass through bone. This method avoids X-ray exposure and takes very little time.

Measurements of aerobic performance

Using a treadmill or bicycle ergometer, we can conduct testing in which the load is gradually increased and measurements are taken of the maximum volume of oxygen taken in, which is an indicator of overall body stamina. (We can also measure the amount of lactic acid in the blood, at the same time.)

3D motion analysis

In this testing, markers are attached to the joints and the motion is photographed with a CCD camera. This lets us check the subject's form and measure parameters such as the angles of the various joints during different movements.

Measurements of anaerobic performance

In this testing, the subject pedals a bicycle ergometer as fast as possible for a short period of time (either 10 or 30 seconds), and the maximum and mean values of the power exerted during that time are measured, allowing us to measure the capacity of energy that the subject can produce using anaerobic mechanisms.

Measurements of movement speed

The speed of movement is measured as the subject lifts and lowers the femoral area and lowers the arms.

Measurements of oxygen dynamics in living organisms

Changes in the absorption of near infrared rays directed into living organisms are measured, both at rest and under a kinetic load. The oxygen dynamic of active muscles can be displayed non-invasively, in real time.