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Updated: Feb 28, 2026

Skeletal Muscle Neurovascular Coupling, Oxidative Capacity, and Microvascular Function with 'One Stop Shop' Near-infrared Spectroscopy
Published on: February 20, 2018
Menstrual cycle influences skeletal muscle oxygenation during high-intensity interval training: a work to rest
Paul A Baker1, Alex Ladan1, Kelly Joniak1
1Applied Physiology Laboratory, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Abstract:
The menstrual cycle (MC), characterized by hormonal fluctuations, may impact skeletal muscle oxygenation (SMO) during high-intensity interval training (HIIT). SMO measured around HIIT in eumenorrheic (EUM) or hormonal contraceptive (HC) users can inform exercise and recovery practices. Females who were EUM (no hormonal contraceptive n = 21; copper intrauterine device n = 5) or using HC (oral n = 5; hormonal intrauterine n = 6) completed two HIIT protocols (HIIT1:1: 10 × 60 s work/60 s rest; HIIT2:1: 20 × 20 s work/10 s rest) during both low-hormone (LHP) and high-hormone phases (HHP) of the MC, in randomized order. SMO (tissue saturation index (TSI) and total hemoglobin (THb) were measured at rest, during HIIT, and during 15 min recovery using near-infrared spectroscopy. Data were analyzed as repeated measures ANOVA. During HIIT1:1, TSI desaturation was greater in LHP (-8.30 ± 3.30%) compared to HHP (-6.77 ± 4.55%; MC phase p < 0.001). During HIIT2:1, TSI desaturation was greater in HHP (-6.98 ± 3.54%) compared to LHP (-6.71 ± 3.61%; MC phase p < 0.001). During HIIT2:1, TSI resaturation was greater in LHP (-5.05 ± 3.31%) compared to HHP (-5.33 ± 3.31%; MC phase p = 0.004). During recovery from HIIT1:1, THb was greater in LHP (16.25 ± 6.32 µmol/L) compared to HHP (15.91 ± 6.46 µmol/L; MC phase p = 0.039). During HIIT2:1 recovery, THb was higher in HHP (15.92 ± 5.47 µmol/L) compared to LHP (14.08 ± 5.05 µmol/L; MC phase p = 0.039). During HIIT2:1, HC demonstrated greater TSI desaturation and resaturation in HHP compared to LHP (p < 0.001). These data suggest MC influences SMO during HIIT, with HHP favoring longer work/rest intervals (HIIT1:1), while recovery remains unaffected; HC demonstrated greater SMO fluctuations during HIIT2:1 in HHP.
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