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Fitness Testing > Tests > Anthropometry > Body Composition > Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), also called Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI), is a noninvasive, painless medical imaging technique used commonly in radiology. MRI provides detailed images of the body in any plane, and is used to visualize the structure and function of the body for the diagnosis and treatment of human conditions. Due to the detailed images that can be provided using this technique, it is possible to get accurate measurements of the composition of body tissue.
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aim: MRI, that is used to diagnose and treat medical conditions. In terms of body composition, the high-quality images can be processed to differentiate and measure the amounts of fat and lean body tissue and teir distribution.
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equipment required: MRI Scanner
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method: simply, a magnetic field 'excites' water and fat molecules in the body, producing a measurable signal.
- description / procedure: A person lies within the magnet as a computer scans the body, which can take about 30 minutes. High-quality images show the amount of fat and where it is distributed.
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advantages: this is a noninvasive method for body composition analysis
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disadvantages: The use of MRI is limited due to the high cost of equipment and analysis.
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other comments: this technique uses no ionizing radiation (unlie CT scans), so is very safe.
Related Pages
- other body composition tests
- about measuring body composition
Related Products
- use the Free! BodyByte Fitness and Nutrition Organizer to organize and manage all your fitness testing information as well as your training and nutritional intake
