Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Skeletal Muscle Neurovascular Coupling, Oxidative Capacity, and Microvascular Function with 'One Stop Shop' Near-infrared Spectroscopy
Published on: February 20, 2018
Exploration of the associations between muscle oxygen saturation and skin temperature responses during isokinetic
Willian da Silva1, Carlos Sendra-Pérez2,3, Joaquín Martín Marzano-Felisatti2
1Escuela de Kinesiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.
Abstract:
Previous studies suggested that skin blood flow, and therefore skin temperature affect changes in muscle oxygenation (SmO2). Given that near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measurements consider a depth of a few centimeters to capture changes in SmO2, in this study, we aimed to explore whether a relationship between skin temperature and SmO2 is observed after sets of isokinetic strength exercises. Seventeen males (age: 25 ± 6 years old and body mass: 74.7 ± 12.4 kg) completed five series of 30 maximum unilateral (preferred) knee extension isokinetic exercises at 180º·sec-1 with a 60-second rest between series to exercise quadriceps muscles. At baseline, after a warm-up, and 50 seconds after each series of exercise, SmO2 related to vastus lateralis and skin temperature of the anterior thigh were evaluated in the exercised and non-exercised legs. Significance was established at p < 0.05. Exercise reduced mean skin temperature throughout the consecutive repetitions in both the exercised and non-exercised legs (p < 0.01). SmO2 increased during exercise only in the exercised leg. No significant correlations were found between skin temperature and SmO2, and weak correlations were observed between skin temperature and total haemoglobin for absolute (r = 0.4 and p < 0.001) and delta values (r = 0.3 and p = 0.03) only in the non-exercised leg. In conclusion, this exploratory study suggests that skin temperature and SmO2 are compatible as they explain different physiological responses, although these measurements are not associated during a controlled exercise.
Related Concept Videos
Special considerations while measuring oxygen saturation
Ensuring accuracy in vital sign recordings while prioritizing patient comfort and minimizing anxiety is important.
Exercise 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...
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's forehead...
Oxygen Transport in the Blood

