Background
The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in total hemoglobin (Delta[tHb]) response during bicycle exercise at various constant workloads using near infrared continuous wave spectroscopy (NIRcws) in humans. We hypothesized that the Delta[tHb] during exercise may progressively increase as a result of a dilation of the vascular bed and/or capillary recruitment at lower constant work rates.
Material and Method
Seven healthy subjects performed bicycle exercise at 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% of maximal work rates (Wmax) for 5 min. Muscle oxygenation change (Delta[Oxy]) and Delta[tHb] at the right vastus lateralis were monitored using a NIRcws device. Exercise-induced Delta[tHb] and Delta[Oxy] responses at each constant workload were evaluated as functional Delta[tHb] change (f-Delta[tHb]) and functional oxygenation change (f-Delta[Oxy]), respectively. Blood lactate concentration [La] was also evaluated after each exercise stage.
Results
At work rates 60%Wmax and below, after an initial decrease at the start of exercise, both Delta[tHb] and Delta[Oxy] showed progressive increases until the end of exercise. A significant positive correlation was found between f-Delta[tHb] and f-Delta[Oxy] (p<0.01). In addition, there was a significant negative relationship of [La] to f-Delta[tHb] during exercise (p<0.05).
Conclusions
These results provide evidence that increased muscle oxygenation during bicycle exercise up to 60%Wmax may be caused by increased O2 supply due to exercise-induced blood volume expansion. Subsequently, the cessation of increase in f-Delta[tHb] at higher intensity exercise may lead to lower muscle tissue oxygenation and higher lactate accumulation.

Keywords: Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared - methods, Reproducibility of Results, Oxygen - metabolism, Exercise Test, Exercise - physiology, Blood Volume, Vasodilation - physiology