Muscle oxygen dynamics after exercise determined by near-infrared spectroscopy: Examination of the difference between the dominant and non-dominant legs

Abstract

[Purpose] To clarify whether or not differences can be observed after exercise in the level of fatigue and recovery characteristics of the dominant and non-dominant legs, and to help with determination of exercise prescription. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 11 healthy adults. After exercise on a bicycle ergometer, the dynamics of blood oxygen in the vastus lateralis were assessed for 10 minutes using near-infrared spectroscopy, and the temporal changes in total hemoglobin (ΔHbT), an index of fatigue, and differences between the dominant and non-dominant, and right and left legs were analyzed. [Results] No significant differences were found in the temporal changes of the dominant and non-dominant legs. However, in the differences between the right and left legs, ΔHbT of the dominant leg was significantly higher at 6 minutes, and showed a rising trend from 4 minutes, when the difference was not significant. [Conclusion] Consideration of the predominance of the dominant leg in muscle activity and fatigue could possibly be useful in both leg exercise tasks in physical therapy.