The present invention is an apparatus for measuring motion of a portion of the body of a patient and, optionally, electrocardiogram, of a patient in a magnetic field. A pickup coil in the form of a loop positioned around the portion of interest of the body of the patient is formed either by a wire connected to a voltage measuring device or an ECG lead having one end connected to the voltage measuring device and the other end connected to an electrode on the patient. A cradle may be positioned between the loop and the patient to facilitate pickup of the movement of the patient. When the ECG lead is used, a second ECG lead is connected between the voltage measuring device and a second electrode on the patient. The output of the voltage measuring device represents the respiration of the patient, and the electrocardiogram when ECG leads are used.