NMR-based applications in elite sports performance

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) scanners can be used in athlete populations because of its non-invasive nature. Both spectroscopy (MRS) and imaging (MRI) are harmless techniques which can be used in several applications towards sport science.The studies in this PhD thesis included two major topics. In the first section (study 1 and 2), the focus was put on a better understanding of the muscle carnosine loading protocol. Secondly, study 3, 4 and 5 investigated musculo-skeletal characteristics of the athlete itself.Altogether, this thesis contributed to new insights in the applications of NMR in sport science. A first application was situated in the field of sport nutrition by investigating carnosine loading strategies. Additionally, MRS and MRI were used to reveal specific muscle characteristics in different athlete populations.Public defense: 2015-12-09Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) scanners can be used in athlete populations because of its non-invasive nature. Both spectroscopy (MRS) and imaging (MRI) are harmless techniques which can be used in several applications towards sport science.The studies in this PhD thesis included two major topics. In the first section (study 1 and 2), the focus was put on a better understanding of the muscle carnosine loading protocol. Secondly, study 3, 4 and 5 investigated musculo-skeletal characteristics of the athlete itself.Altogether, this thesis contributed to new insights in the applications of NMR in sport science. A first application was situated in the field of sport nutrition by investigating carnosine loading strategies. Additionally, MRS and MRI were used to reveal specific muscle characteristics in different athlete populations.D