Changes

A new type of [[running sensor| Running Sensors]] has come onto the market in the last few years that will determine the oxygen saturation of blood flowing through the muscles, called [[SmO₂]]. Having used the [[Moxy]] sensor since 2015, along with the [[BSX]] and [[Humon]], I've failed to find much value. =Introduction=You may be familiar with [[Pulse Oximeter]]s that measure the oxygen saturation of blood flowing through your extremities, called [[SpO2|SpO₂]]. In healthy individuals at low altitude, finger [[SpO2|SpO₂]] should remain high, typically above 95%, and this doesn't typically vary with exercise. Also, pulse oximeters are very sensitive to movement, and can't really be used during exercise. Muscle oxygen sensors use similar principles of light absorption, but measure the blood flow deeper in the tissues, and are relatively unaffected by movement. [[SmO₂]] varies substantially with exercise, though this pattern is not a simple relationship between saturation and exercise intensity. Instead, [[SmO₂]] is often lower at rest than during moderate exercise, falling again as intensity increases. Using a muscle oxygen sensor to evaluate exercise intensity is tricky at best, though it can provide some fascinating insight into how the body is responding. I don't think these sensors are of much value to the average runner, and I'd urge caution before buying one to ensure that you fully understand how they work and their limitations. The current SmO₂ sensor is [[Moxy]], as [[BSX]] is discontinued, and Humon has not been released yet.