Project Overview

Our client plans to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to study pulmonary blood flow before and during exercise in patients with pulmonary vascular disease. Our goal is to design an MRI-compatible exercise device that increases pulmonary artery blood flow during exercise. To do so, we performed exercise testing and motion capture analysis to determine the best motion. A leg-press type device was then manufactured to match that motion. Initial data showed that use of the device to exercise in the MRI scanner raised heart rate by 36 BPM and increased arterial cross-sectional by 60 mm2. In the future, our client hopes to use scan data such as these to determine whether moderate exercise will benefit patients with pulmonary vascular diseases.

Team Picture

Files

• Mid-Semester Presentation (March 5, 2010)
• Final Poster (April 29, 2010)
• Product Design Specifications (May 4, 2010)
• Final Paper (May 6, 2010)
• Workload Calculations (May 6, 2010)
• Final Paper Appendices (May 6, 2010)

Contact Information

Team Members

• Deborah Yagow - Team Leader
• Colleen Farrell - Communicator
• Amy Lenz - BSAC
• Val Maharaj - BWIG

Advisor and Client

• Prof. Naomi Chesler - Advisor
• Dr. Alejandro Roldan - Client

Related Projects

• Spring 2012: MRI-compatible step dynamometer
• Fall 2011: MRI-compatible step dynamometer
• Spring 2011: MRI-compatible step dynamometer
• Spring 2010: MRI Compatible Lower Leg Exerciser