Muscle Oxygen Training blog index

Blog Purpose
  • To discuss the use, benefits, and pitfalls of using a muscle oxygen sensor in both endurance and resistance exercise.  There will be both literature review as well as my anecdotal experience using a BSX sensor.  Since little to no published peer reviewed study has shown significant benefits in training or race performance, the advantage of using a sensor for training/race should not be assumed as a given.  Unfortunately, the manufactures of these units have misleading, unproven assertions as part of their websites and marketing material.
  • To provide a more objective look at their usefulness and perhaps even examine other "non advertised"  use case scenarios (MLSS determination).
  • Review and critique of other wearable sensors, like the Hexoskin shirt and Polar HRMs.
  • Discussion of physiologic metrics such as VO2 max, ventilatory and lactate thresholds and the unfortunate confusion regarding definitions.
  • Training intensity distribution and exercise prescription - literature reviews and available metrics to help one conform to a desired plan.
  • Detailed investigation in the validity of the Garmin - Firstbeat algorithms for VO2 max calculation. This includes my own personal VO2 max testing by gas exchange done at a major US university. 
  • Review of heart rate variability indexes and their relation to physiologic thresholds.  Particular focus on DFA a1 (index of fractal complexity) as a potential tool for polarized training intensity limitation.

Topics are listed below as clickable links:

Blog Introduction

Sensor reviews and hacking 

Heart rate monitoring devices:

Weight Training/Rehabilitation

 

Endurance Related

General 


Usage in Pacing, Training

Sensor usage in Testing and biologic insights
Heart rate variability during dynamic exercise

 Lactate related

 VO2 max related


Hexoskin Shirt