Comparison of muscle oxygen kinetics between occluded and non-occluded dynamic low-intensity exercise performed till failure : A quantitative study

Abstract: Aim: To examine local muscle oxygen kinetics when performing wrist extensions till failure in an occluded versus non-occluded state, to compare the perceived ratings of pain and local muscle exertion, and analysing presence of gender differences. Methods: Twenty-one healthy individuals (mean age 25,6±3.2, 10 females) performed wrist extensions at 30% of peak isometric strength till failure. The order in which the states was performed was randomized. The oxygen kinetics in the m. extensor digitorum was analysed using Near-infrared spectroscopy continuously. Ratings of perceived pain and local muscle exertion were collected before exercise, when reaching failure and post exercise recovery. Result: No difference was identified in tissue oxygen saturation (TOI) at the exercise plateau (-24.0±18.3% vs -23.5±13.9%, p=0.609). TOI at rest was lower for the occluded state (64.2±4.5% vs 57.2±5.9%, p<0.001). During the second minute of recovery, there was a greater increase in TOI for the occluded state (0.01±0.01%/sec vs 0.04±0.03/sec, p<0.001). A higher rating of perceived pain was found for the occluded state during baseline (0.0±0.0 vs 0.7±0.9, p=0.005) and first minute of recovery post exercise (2.3±2.0 vs 3.3±2.1, p=0.011). No clinically relevant gender differences were found. Conclusion: Venous occlusion during low-intensity dynamic wrist extensions affects the local oxygen kinetics in the muscle before and after exercise. The oxygenation kinetics does not differ when exercise plateau is reached when both regimes are performed till failure. This suggests that performing low-load dynamic wrist extensions in a no-relaxation manner, may have the same effects no matter whether occlusion is used or not.