To study vascular regulation and neurovascular coupling, we employ a dual modality approach using both Doppler ultrasound and Near Infrared Spectroscopy to study bulk conduit flow and microvascular perfusion (see the section, below).
Left: Doppler ultrasound of the brachial artery at rest and immediately after mild-to-moderate handgrip exercise.
Note the marked rise in brachial artery blood flow after exercise.
Bottom Right: We can use near infrared spectroscopy to study skeletal muscle perfusion and blood flow regulation. In this example, we are using lower body negative pressure (LBNP) to superimpose muscle sympathetic nerve activity (vasoconstriction) on resting and exercising skeletal muscle to evaluate functional sympatholysis (i.e. attenuation of sympathetic vasoconstrictor nerve activity during exercise).