Neurovascular Coupling, Cerebral Oxygenation, and Endurance Performance

Muscle Oxygen Kinetics During Exercise

If you’ve been reading the Emergence Substack for some time you more than likely have a good understanding of muscle oxygen kinetics during exercise. However, if you’re new here i’ll provide a short refresher before we dive into the main topics for today - neuromuscular coupling and cerebral oxygenation.

An athelte’s muscle oxygenation (SmO2) and active nitric oxide (PNO) levels during exercise.

In the image above you’ll find an athlete’s muscle oxygenation (SmO2) and active nitric oxide (PNO) levels during a ~45-second sprint, recorded with a NNOXX wearable device. Notice that the second the athlete begins their sprint, oxygen is utilized instantaneously in the working muscle. In fact, oxygen is consumed at a much greater rate than it is supplied to the active muscle, which is why muscle oxygenation is declining. Meanwhile, active nitric oxide (PNO) levels increases to enhance blood flow and oxygen delivery to the exercising muscles. As soon as…