Understanding Brain Oxygenation

Powered by fNIRS sensors, Muse S Athena tracks blood flow oxygenation in the prefrontal cortex area of your brain during your Muse sessions.

Here you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the role in blood oxygenation across all Muse experiences.

Understanding the brain oxygenation graph
Understanding Brain Oxygenation across Muse session types
Factors that can affect brain oxygenation

 

Understanding the Brain Oxygenation graph

This graph shows how your brain directs energy during sessions by tracking blood oxygen levels in the prefrontal cortex—the area responsible for focus and decision-making.

• fNIRS sensors track changes in hemoglobin concentration, measured in micromolar units (μM). The increase and decrease plotted in your graph is in comparison to the baseline oxygenation levels measured during the calibration before your session.

• HbO: oxygenated blood (red line): Increases when your brain is working harder, delivering more energy for sustained mental effort.

• HbR: deoxygenated blood (blue line): Decreases as your brain efficiently uses oxygen to maintain focus and endurance.

💡 When the red line rises and the blue line falls, it means your brain is successfully increasing effort and optimizing cognitive performance.

 

Brain Oxygenation results across Muse session types

Strength sessions

Muse S Athena Strength sessions measure your mental effort. Your brain needs oxygen to function—just like muscles need oxygen during exercise. When you make a strong mental effort, your prefrontal cortex works harder and demands more oxygen. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to fuel decision-making, focus, and problem-solving, so more oxygen flow, the better your cognitive endurance and sustained mental effort.

• Mental strength refers to how much oxygen-rich blood you’re able to send to your prefrontal cortex to support your mental effort.

• Mental or cognitive endurance refers to your ability to sustain that effort.

Exclusive to Muse S Athena, see our Strength Sessions article for an in-depth look at this new neurofeedback experience.
 

Other Muse biofeedback sessions

You’ll receive a post-session brain oxygenation graph after completing any Muse biofeedback session. While these sessions don’t incorporate brain oxygenation data into their scores, tracking changes over time can provide valuable insights into your mental fitness, especially as you make lifestyle adjustments to enhance performance.

Follow the links below to learn more about each of the Muse biofeedback session types:

• Mind

• Heart

• Body

• Breath

💡 Tip: your brain oxygenation graph may not be consistent across session types. In a strength session, you’re making a strong mental effort and trying to intentionally increase oxygenated blood to your prefrontal cortex. This is different from a Mind session, where the goal is to focus your thoughts, clearing away distractions.

 

Factors Affecting Brain Oxygenation

Breathing Efficiency

• Shallow breathing leads to low oxygen intake.

• Deep diaphragmatic breathing improves oxygen levels.

• Nasal breathing is generally considered more effective than mouth breathing for oxygen absorption.
   

Cardiovascular Health

• Good circulation ensures steady blood flow to the brain.

• High blood pressure, plaque buildup, or anemia can reduce oxygen delivery.
   

Physical Activity

• Exercise increases heart rate and blood flow, boosting oxygenation.

• Aerobic activities (running, swimming, cycling) are particularly effective.
   

Altitude & Environment

• High altitudes have lower oxygen levels, which can cause hypoxia (oxygen deprivation).

• Polluted environments reduce oxygen availability.
   

Diet & Nutrition

• Iron-rich foods (spinach, red meat) help red blood cells carry oxygen.

• Omega-3 fatty acids (fish, flaxseeds) improve blood vessel function.

• Hydration is key—dehydration thickens blood and reduces flow.
   

Sleep & Stress

• Poor sleep affects oxygen metabolism and blood flow.

• Chronic stress leads to shallow breathing, reducing oxygen intake.