Contextual overview
While wearable NIRS sensors offer insight into metabolic muscle status, practitioners must be aware of their limitations during high-movement activities. They remain excellent tools for assessing resting state and isometric strength thresholds.
Original publication abstract
Miranda-Fuentes et al. (2020) evaluated the reliability of a low-cost wearable near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) device (Humon Hex). The study found high reliability and precision during rest and isometric exercise (ICC > 0.90), but reliability decreased significantly during dynamic strength training due to movement variability.
Check the original article for the population, device, protocol and limitations before applying its results to a different configuration.