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Convective oxygen transport refers to the process by which oxygen is transported within the
body through the bloodstream. During exercise, the heart pumps oxygen-rich blood from the
lungs to the muscles and tissues that are in need of oxygen for energy production. The oxygen
molecules bind to hemoglobin in red blood cells, allowing for efficient transportation to the
working muscles (Jones, 1999). The process of convective transport involves the coordinated
efforts of the heart, blood vessels, and the respiratory system.
In the context of the study, the authors are investigating how exercise modality (running vs.
cycling) impacts oxygen uptake kinetics during heavy exercise. Oxygen uptake kinetics refer to
how quickly the body can increase its oxygen consumption to meet the increased demand
during exercise. The authors found that the convective oxygen transport process, as reflected in
the rate of oxygen uptake, differed between running and cycling, possibly due to differences in
muscle contraction patterns and the involvement of various muscle groups. (al, 2011)
2.2.2 Diffusive Oxygen Transport:
Diffusive oxygen transport, on the other hand, is the movement of oxygen from areas of higher
concentration to areas of lower concentration. This process occurs within tissues and cells
where oxygen diffuses from the capillaries to the surrounding cells that require oxygen for
metabolic activities.
In the context of the study, the authors discuss how the slow component of oxygen uptake
kinetics (the continued rise in oxygen consumption during prolonged exercise) might be
influenced by factors related to muscle contraction patterns and muscle fiber recruitment.
(Jones, 1999) They propose that during cycling, a greater recruitment of type II muscle fibers
may occur, which are less efficient in terms of oxygen consumption. This could lead to a greater
reliance on diffusive oxygen transport mechanisms, possibly contributing to the observed
slower component of oxygen uptake during cycling compared to running.
Moreover, the study suggested potential implications of these oxygen uptake kinetics findings
on soccer performance. Faster pV˙ O2 kinetics were associated with better aerobic energy
system activation and a reduced reliance on non-aerobic energy sources during intermittent
exercises (Marwood S, 2010). This is particularly relevant for soccer, where intermittent high-
intensity activities are common (Marwood S, 2010). Evidence from previous studies also
suggests that enhanced muscle oxidative enzyme activity and fiber type adaptations contribute
to improved oxygen utilization and faster oxygen uptake kinetics (Eriksson BO, 1973) (Krustrup
P, 2010).
The steady-state oxygen uptake kinetics are influenced by multiple factors, including muscle
fiber characteristics, cardiovascular adaptations, and metabolic responses. Trained individuals
often exhibit faster adjustments in oxygen uptake during the early phases of constant workrate
exercises, reaching the steady-state more rapidly (Koppo K, 2004). This enhanced oxygen
uptake kinetics can contribute to improved endurance performance, as the body can efficiently
adapt to the oxygen demands of sustained exercise.
Fundamentals of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) in Exercise Physiology
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) is an innovative non-invasive technique that has gained
substantial traction within the realm of exercise physiology (Bellotti, 2013) (Fontana, 2014). It
operates by utilizing near-infrared light to detect changes in the concentration of oxygenated
(oxy-Hb) and deoxygenated (deoxy-Hb) hemoglobin in both muscle tissue and the brain
(Hamaoka, 2019).This technology offers a unique window into real-time observations of muscle
oxygen utilization and blood flow dynamics during various exercise regimens (Grassi, 2016).
Notably, NIRS has emerged as an indispensable tool for investigating the intricacies of exercise
intensity domains, encompassing the likes of Critical Power (CP), Maximal Lactate Steady State
(MLSS), and Respiratory Compensation Point (RCP) (ones, 2008).Through its capacity to
delineate metabolic boundaries characterizing diverse exercise intensities, NIRS contributes
significantly to our understanding of physiological responses elicited by exercise stimuli
(Tschentscher, 2013).
However, while NIRS presents numerous advantages, it is accompanied by inherent limitations
(Crum, 2017). For instance, its effectiveness heavily depends on localized measurements,
potentially limiting the extrapolation of data to broader physiological contexts (Ferrari, 2011).
Additionally, accurate calibration procedures are crucial to ensure reliable and valid results
(Fletcher, 2009). Despite these challenges, a notable study discussed in the provided text
exemplifies the efficacy of NIRS in identifying commonalities between exercise intensity indices
(Bellotti, 2013). This study underscores the utility of NIRS in assessing changes in the
deoxygenated hemoglobin boundary ([HHb]BP), a pivotal marker of physiological transitions
during exercise (Fontana, 2014).
The application of NIRS in exercise physiology is substantiated by a body of research (Murphy,
2019). (Bellotti, 2013) explore the potential of NIRS in determining the maximal lactate steady
state in healthy adults. (Fontana, 2014) investigate the role of NIRS in ascertaining the
Respiratory Compensation Point in healthy individuals. Moreover, (Jones A. M., 2008) delve
into muscle metabolic responses in relation to the "critical power," utilizing advanced
techniques like 31P-MRS. Collectively, these references underscore the broad applicability and
significance of NIRS in enhancing our understanding of exercise physiology.
Results indicated that SmO2 decreased with increasing exercise intensity until an inflection
point, consistent with previous findings (Inglis, 2017). Individual variation in the timing of this
inflection point was observed, likely attributed to factors like physical condition. Additionally,
the study revealed that SmO2 continued to decrease as exercise intensity progressed, reaching
exhaustion, while a gradual increase in SmO2 during the recovery phase was noted (Farzam,
2018). This rise in SmO2 during recovery could be linked to the "super-compensation principle"
of training. Importantly, this study demonstrated the applicability of the Humon Hex® device in
guiding training intensity for Nordic walking practitioners, potentially eliminating the need for
pre-performing stress tests (Wilkinson, 2019).
While this research was conducted in a controlled laboratory setting and involved limitations
such as the absence of walking poles, it highlighted the practical utility of NIRS in exercise
training. The references utilized encompassed a range of studies, contributing to the
discussion's comprehensive overview of muscle oxygenation in exercise testing.
References:
Stirling et al., 2008; Kilding et al., 2005; Granier et al., 1995; Barstow et al., 1996; Borrani et al., 2001;
Poole, 1994; Wakeling, 2004; Qi et al., 2007; Sabapathy et al., 2005; Cleuziou et al., 2004; Berger et al.,
2005; Vanhatalo et al., 2011.
Jones, A. M., & McConnell, A. M. (1999). Effect of exercise modality on oxygen uptake kinetics during
heavy exercise. European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology, 80(3), 213-219.
Unnithan VB, Roche DM, Garrard M, Holloway K, Marwood S (2015) Oxygen uptake kinetics in trained
adolescent females. Eur J Appl Physiol 115:213–220.
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moderate, heavy and severe intensity submaximal exercise in humans: influence of muscle fibre type
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Bailey SJ, Wilkerson DP, DiMenna FJ, Jones AM (2009) Influence of repeated sprint training on
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pulmonary O2 uptake and muscle deoxygenation kinetics in humans. J Appl Physiol 106:1875–1877.
Unnithan VB, Roche DM, Garrard M, Holloway K, Marwood S (2015) Oxygen uptake kinetics in trained
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Krustrup P, Christensen JF, Randers MB, Pedersen H, Sundstrup E, Jakobsen MD, Krustrup B, Nielsen JJ,
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Unnithan VB, Roche DM, Garrard M, Holloway K, Marwood S (2015) Oxygen uptake kinetics in trained
adolescent females. Eur J Appl Physiol 115:213–220.
Koppo K, Bouckaert J, Jones AM (2004) Effects of training status and exercise intensity on phase II VO2
kinetics. Med Sci Sports Exerc 36:225–232.
Bellotti, C., Calabria, E., Capelli, C., & Pogliaghi, S. (2013). Determination of maximal lactate
steady state in healthy adults: can NIRS help? Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise,
45(6), 1208–1216.
Crum, E. M., O’Connor, W. J., Van Loo, L., Valckx, M., & Stannard, S. R. (2017). Validity and
reliability of the Moxy oxygen monitor during incremental cycling exercise. European Journal of
Sport Science, 17(8), 1037-1043.
Ferrari, M., Muthalib, M., & Quaresima, V. (2011). The use of near-infrared spectroscopy in
understanding skeletal muscle physiology: recent developments. Philosophical Transactions of
Royal Society A, 369, 4577-4590.
Fletcher, J. R., Esau, S. P., & MacIntosh, B. R. (2009). Economy of running: beyond the
measurement of oxygen uptake. Journal Applied Physiology, 107, 1918-1922.
Fontana, F. Y., Keir, D. A., Bellotti, C., De Roia, G. F., Murias, J. M., & Pogliaghi, S. (2014).
Determination of RCP in healthy adults: can NIRS help? Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport,
17(3), 316–320.
Grassi, B., & Quaresima, V. (2016). Near-infrared spectroscopy and skeletal muscle oxidative
function in vivo in health and disease: a review from an exercise physiology perspective. Journal
of Biomedical Optics, 21(9), 091313.
Murphy, M. H., Lahart, I., Carlin, A., & Murtagh, E. (2019). The Effects of Continuous Compared
to Accumulated Exercise on Health: A Meta-Analytic Review. Sports Medicine, 49(1), 1585-1607.
Tschentscher, M., Niederseer, D., & Niebauer, J. (2013). Health benefits of Nordic walking: a
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1. Farzam, P., Starkweather, Z., & Franceschini, M. A. (2018). Validation of a novel wearable,
wireless technology to estimate oxygen levels and lactate threshold power in the exercising
muscle. Physiological Reports, 6(7), e13664.
2. Karatzanos, E., Paradisis, G., Zacharogiannis, E., Tziortzis, S., & Nanas, S. (2010). Assessment of
ventilatory threshold using near-infrared spectroscopy on the gastrocnemius muscle during
treadmill running. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 40, 206–211.
3. Inglis, E.C., Iannetta, D., & Murias, J. M. (2017). The plateau in the NIRS derived (HHb) signal near
the end of a ramp incremental test does not indicate the upper limit of O2 extraction in the
vastus lateralis. American Journal of Physiology Regulatory Integrative and Comparative
Physiology, 313, R723–R729.
4. Wilkinson, T. J, White, A. E. M., Nixon, D, G, D., Gould, D. W., Watson, E., L. & Smith, A. C. (2019).
Characterising skeletal muscle hemoglobin saturation during exercise using near-infrared
spectroscopy in chronic kidney disease. Clinical and Experimental Nephrology, 23, 32-42.
Fundamentals of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) in Exercise Physiology
References:
Bellotti, C., Calabria, E., Capelli, C., & Pogliaghi, S. (2013). Determination of maximal lactate steady state
in healthy adults: can NIRS help? Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 45(6), 1208–1216.
Fontana, F. Y., Keir, D. A., Bellotti, C., De Roia, G. F., Murias, J. M., & Pogliaghi, S. (2014). Determination
of RCP in healthy adults: can NIRS help? Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 17(3), 316–320.
Jones, A. M., Wilkerson, D. P., DiMenna, F., Fulford, J., & Poole, D. C. (2008). Muscle metabolic responses
to exercise above and below the "critical power" assessed using 31P-MRS. American Journal of
Physiology. Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 294(2), R585–R593.
Farzam, P., Starkweather, Z., & Franceschini, M. A. (2018). Validation of a novel wearable, wireless
technology to estimate oxygen levels and lactate threshold power in the exercising muscle. Physiological
Reports, 6(7), e13664.
Karatzanos, E., Paradisis, G., Zacharogiannis, E., Tziortzis, S.,& Nanas, S. (2010). Assessment of
ventilatory threshold using near-infrared spectroscopy on the gastrocnemius muscle during treadmill
running. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 40, 206–211.
Inglis, E.C., Iannetta, D., & Murias, J. M. (2017). The plateau in the NIRS derived (HHb) signal near the
end of a ramp incremental test does not indicate the upper limit of O2 extraction in the vastus lateralis.
American Journal of Physiology Regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 313, R723–R729.
Wilkinson, T. J, White, A. E. M., Nixon, D, G, D., Gould, D. W., Watson, E., L. & Smith, A. C. (2019).
Characterising skeletal muscle hemoglobin saturation during exercise using near-infrared spectroscopy
in chronic kidney disease. Clinical and Experimental Nephrology, 23, 32-42.