Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common and devastating type of muscular dystrophy worldwide. In this study we have investigated the potential of the combined use of non-invasive near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and surface electromyography (sEMG) to assess contraction-induced changes in oxygenation and myoelectrical activity, respectively in the biceps brachii of eight DMD patients aged 9–12 years and 11 age-matched healthy controls. Muscle tissue oxygenation index (TOI), oxyhemoglobin (HbO2), and sEMG signals were continuously measured during a sustained submaximal contraction of 60% maximal voluntary isometric contraction, and post-exercise recovery period. Compared to controls, DMD subjects showed significantly smaller changes in TOI during the contraction. In addition, during the reoxygenation phase some dynamic parameters extracted from the HbO₂ measurements were significantly different between the two groups, some of which were correlated with functional performances on a 6-min walking test. In conclusion, non-invasive continuous monitoring of skeletal muscle oxygenation by NIRS is feasible in young children, and significant differences in contraction-induced deoxygenation and reoxygenation patterns were observed between healthy controls and DMD children.