Critical oxygenation: Can muscle oxygenation inform us about critical power?

The power-duration relationship is well documented for athletic performance and formulated out mathematically in the critical power (CP) model. CP model, when applied properly, has great predictive power, e.g. pedaling at a specific output on an ergometer model precisely calculates time over which athlete can sustain this power. However, presents physiological inconsistencies process-oriented problems. rapid development of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to measure muscle oxygenation (SmO2) dynamics provides exploration conceptual empirical level. Conceptually, two components: first defined as highest metabolic rate that be achieved through oxidative means. And second, work capacity above named W’. SmO2 steady-state oxygen supply demand thereby represents specifically local level analysis. Empirically, exploratory data quickly illustrates between SmO2, shown during 3-min all-out cycling tests assess CP. During these tests, essentially mirror each other, both W’ generate solid correlation with what would deemed their counterparts: first, correlates tissue reserve represented calculated integral corresponds While presented preliminary, proposition concurring current plausible inference. Here we propose representing or CO. CO then identified O’. This new could fill gap highly times its inability track human physiology consistently. For simplicity's sake, include acute changes result changing climate elevation travel, affect performance. These types fluctuations, but not limited to, manageable applying conjunction Further, modeling needed investigate true potential NIRS CP, focus repeatability, recovery, systemic vs workloads.