Inspiratory loading and limb locomotor and respiratory muscle deoxygenation during cycling exercise

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of inspiratory loading on limb locomotor (LM) and respiratory muscle (RM) deoxygenation ([deoxy (Hb+Mb)]) using NIRS during constant-power cycling exercise. Sixteen, male cyclists completed three, 6-min trials. The intensity of the first 3-min of each trial was equivalent to ~80% V(O(2max)) (EX(80%)); during the final 3-min, subjects received an intervention consisting of either moderate inspiratory loading (Load(mod)), heavy inspiratory loading (Load(heavy)), or maximal exercise (Load(EX)). Load(heavy) significantly increased LM [deoxy(Hb+Mb)] from 12.2±9.0 μm during EX(80%) to 15.3±11.7 μm, and RM [deoxy(Hb+Mb)] from 5.9±3.6 μm to 9.5±6.6 μm. LM and RM [deoxy(Hb+Mb)] were significantly increased from EX(80%) to Load(EX); 12.8±9.1 μm to 16.4±10.3 μm and 5.9±2.9 μm to 11.0±6.4 μm, respectively. These data suggest an increase in respiratory muscle load increases muscle deoxy(Hb+Mb) and thus may indicate a reduction in oxygen delivery and/or increased oxygen extraction by the active muscles.