Near-infrared spectroscopy is emerging as a promising non-invasive method for monitoring local muscular adaptations to endurance training. The aim of this systematic review was to qualitatively examine approaches to track muscular adaptations and to assess the utility of NIRS in evaluating peripheral muscular adaptations to training. Six studies met the inclusion criteria. Results revealed substantial heterogenity in the methodologies, testing protocols, and NIRS data analysis procedures. Despite these differences, findings consistently demonstrated that NIRS is effective in detecting local adaptations, including improved microvascular oxygen extraction capacity, enhanced reoxygenation kinetics, and vascular remodeling. NIRS-derived parameters appear to be valuable indicators of muscular adaptations, offering complementary insights when combined with systemic measures such as maximal oxygen uptake. Although the evidence is encouraging, the current literature remains methodologically diverse, and standardized protocols and terminology is lacking. Further research is needed to clarify the relationship between NIRS-derived parameters and systemic endurance markers. Overall, NIRS shows considerable potential as a complementary tool for monitoring training status in endurance athletes, enabling the assessment of local muscular adaptations critical for optimizing the training process.
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