European journal of vascular and endovascular surgery : the official journal of the European Society for Vascular Surgery
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Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg · May 2021
The Use of Near Infrared Spectroscopy to Evaluate the Effect of Exercise on Peripheral Muscle Oxygenation in Patients with Lower Extremity Artery Disease: A Systematic Review.
Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been suggested as a new diagnostic tool in patients with lower extremity artery disease (LEAD). The aim of this systematic review was to summarise the impact of exercise therapy on lower limb muscle oxygenation, evaluated by NIRS, in patients with LEAD, and to give an overview on NIRS instruments and methodology. ⋯ The available data suggest that exercise training improves de-oxygenation and re-oxygenation patterns, as measured with NIRS, in patients with LEAD. Whereas NIRS is a promising tool in the evaluation of LEAD, the low number of randomised controlled trials, as well as large heterogeneity in NIRS assessment methods, outcome measures, and instrumentation, warrants more research to better understand the role of muscle oxygenation associated with exercise induced improvements in walking capacity.