The effect of self-identified arm dominance on exercising forearm hemodynamics and skeletal muscle desaturation
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2025
Skeletal Muscle Neurovascular Coupling, Oxidative Capacity, and Microvascular Function with 'One Stop Shop' Near-infrared Spectroscopy
Published on: February 20, 2018
Jacob L Schwartz1, Trishawna A Fongwoo1, Robert F Bentley1
1Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract:
The human forearm model is commonly employed in physiological investigations exploring local vascular function and oxygen delivery; however, the effect of arm dominance on exercising forearm hemodynamics and skeletal muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) in untrained individuals is poorly understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the effect of self-identified arm dominance on forearm hemodynamics and SmO2 in untrained individuals during submaximal, non-ischemic forearm exercise. Twenty healthy individuals (23±4 years, 50% female; 80% right-handed) completed three-minute bouts of supine rhythmic (1 second contraction: 2 second relaxation duty cycle) forearm handgrip exercise at both absolute (10kg; 98N) and relative (30% of maximal voluntary contraction) intensities in each forearm. Beat-by-beat measures of forearm blood flow (FBF; ml/min), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP; mmHg) and flexor digitorum superficialis SmO2 (%) were obtained throughout and averaged during the final 30 seconds of rest, exercise, and recovery while forearm vascular conductance was calculated (FVC; ml/min/100mmHg). Data are Δ from rest (mean±SD). Absolute force production did not differ between non-dominant and dominant arms (97±11 vs. 98±13 N, p = 0.606) whereas relative force production in females did (69±24 vs. 82±25 N, p = 0.001). At both exercise intensities, FBFRELAX, FVCRELAX, MAPRELAX, and the time constant tau for FBF and SmO2 were unaffected by arm dominance (all p>0.05). While arm dominance did not influence SmO2 during absolute intensity exercise (p = 0.506), the non-dominant arm in females experienced an attenuated reduction in SmO2 during relative intensity exercise (-14±10 vs. -19±8%, p = 0.026)-though exercise intensity was also reduced (p = 0.001). The present investigation has demonstrated that arm dominance in untrained individuals does not impact forearm hemodynamics or SmO2 during handgrip exercise.
More Related Videos
09:18Author Spotlight: Assessing the Reliability of Doppler Ultrasound in Measuring Leg Blood Flow
Published on: December 15, 2023
14:28Non-Invasive Monitoring of Microvascular Oxygenation and Reactive Hyperemia using Hybrid, Near-Infrared Diffuse Optical Spectroscopy for Critical Care
Published on: May 10, 2024
Related Concept Videos
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:28Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
01:10Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
01:27Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above...