Comparison of two methods of measuring forearm oxygen consumption (VO2) by near infrared spectroscopy

Abstract

Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to measure oxygen consumption (VO 2 ) in the human forearm with two different methods. VO 2 was measured in ten patients, first by inducing a forearm venous occlusion and then an ischemia. The mean value of VO 2 was 3.3 ± 1.1 μMO 2 × 100 g -1 ×min -1 during venous occlusion and 2.9±0.9 μMO 2 × 100 g -1 ×min -1 during ischemia. The difference between the two means was 0.4 μMO 2 × 100 g -1 ×min -1 . A good agreement between the two methods was demonstrated. The results showed that NIRS is a useful tool for the measurement of VO 2 . The venous occlusion method was the method of choice because it could be easily repeated at the bedside without causing any discomfort to the patient. © 1997 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.