Functional muscle imaging in elite and untrained subjects

Optical imaging technologies have been proven to be useful in brain function studies. Here we show the feasibility of this technology for studying muscle function. We have tested the functions of two important lower extremity muscle groups: gastrocnemius in the calf muscle and two muscles in the quadriceps muscle group during several common muscle exercises. Images obtained during the exercises demonstrated clearly the degree of muscle functions with respect to deoxygenation and blood volume changes. The optical imaging technologies can be applied to exercise physiology and training. It can be also useful for diagnoses, prognoses of certain muscle conditions in clinical and pathological cases.