Biomagnetism: a new tool in sport and exercise science

Biomagnetometry is a non-invasive technique for detecting magnetic fields associated with the electrophysiology and magnetic susceptibility of body tissues. The aims of this paper are to provide a review of the discipline of biomagnetism and its measurement using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID), and to discuss the potential utility of this technique in sport and exercise science. A tutorial section is presented to provide an introduction to the theory and practical application of SQUID biomagnetometry. A review of the biomagnetism literature demonstrates the variety of previous biomagnetic investigations and suggests several potential applications of biomagnetometry in sport and exercise science. A discussion of these includes an assessment of the advantages of measuring biomagnetic fields as opposed to electrical potentials, with particular reference to the improved precision and accuracy of physiological source modelling using biomagnetic data. There is evidence to suggest that SQUID biomagnetometry would provide useful (and perhaps unique) information on functional, anatomical and physiological assessments in sport and exercise science. Further investigations of biomagnetometry in this discipline should focus on three main areas: cardiology, encephalography and neurology, and body composition assessment.