Forearm oxygen consumption and forearm blood flow in healthy children and adolescents measured by near infrared spectroscopy.

UNLABELLED The assessment of forearm oxygen consumption (VO(2)) and forearm blood flow (FBF) by means of near infrared spectroscopy has become widespread in adults, whereas in children and adolescents no data are available. The aim of the present study was to analyze VO(2) and FBF in healthy children and adolescents. METHODS In a prospective cohort study, 20 male and 20 female healthy children and adolescents were investigated. The measurements of VO(2) and FBF were performed by means of near infrared spectroscopy in combination with the venous occlusion method. RESULTS Mean VO(2) was 0.08 +/- 0.04 ml 100 g(-1) min(-1) in male and 0.09 +/- 0.05 ml 100 g(-1) min(-1) in female subjects. Mean FBF was 1.95 +/- 1.25 ml 100 g(-1) min(-1) in male and 1.82 +/- 0.98 ml 100 g(-1) min(-1) in female subjects. No significant difference was found between male and female subjects. A significant negative correlation of VO(2) and FBF to age was observed in both groups. CONCLUSION In the present study we were able to show that VO(2) and FBF decreased with increasing age in children and adolescents without significant differences between male and female subjects.