Effects of incremental exercise on cerebral oxygenation measured by near-infrared spectroscopy: A systematic review

We conducted a systematic review and meta-regression analysis to quantify effects of exercise on brain hemodynamics measured by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). The results indicate that acute incremental exercise (categorized relative to aerobic capacity (VO2peak) as low – <30% VO2peak; moderate – ≥30% VO2peak to <60% VO2peak; hard – ≥60% VO2peak to

Research highlights▶ Evidence on cerebral oxygenation during incremental exercise is reviewed. ▶ Brain oxygen rises until hard intensities then plateaus or falls at exhaustive intensities. ▶ Training status influence the responses. ▶ Reductions or no changes are seen in heart and lung patients. ▶ Implications for performance and brain function are discussed.