Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
05:13
A Rat Model of Central Fatigue Using a Modified Multiple Platform Method
Published on: August 14, 2018
Brain neurotransmitters in fatigue and overtraining
Romain Meeusen1, Philip Watson, Hiroshi Hasegawa
1Department of Human Physiology and Sports Medicine, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium. rmeeusen@vub.ac.be
Summary
Central fatigue is complex, involving multiple brain systems, not just serotonin. Overtraining syndrome (OTS) results from excessive training and stress, impacting various physiological systems.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sports Medicine
- Physiology
Background:
- The serotonin hypothesis suggested 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) as a cause of central fatigue, but evidence is inconsistent.
- Central fatigue likely involves complex interactions between multiple neurotransmitter systems and peripheral factors, not a single system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of central fatigue mechanisms.
- To explore the multifactorial nature of overtraining syndrome (OTS).
- To highlight the importance of differentiating OTS from other causes of underperformance.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on central fatigue and overtraining syndrome.
- Analysis of the roles of neurotransmitters like serotonin and catecholamines.
- Discussion of the interaction between training load, stress, and physiological defense mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Evidence does not strongly support serotonin as the sole cause of central fatigue.
- Brain catecholamines play a role in fatigue.
- Overtraining syndrome (OTS) is a complex condition triggered by excessive training and stress, involving immunological, neuroendocrine, and other physiological systems.
Conclusions:
- Central fatigue is an integrated phenomenon involving complex interactions.
- Overtraining syndrome (OTS) mechanisms are multifactorial, potentially involving psychoneuroimmunology.
- Standardized measures are crucial for assessing training status and distinguishing OTS from other underperformance causes.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters are essential chemical messengers within the nervous system, facilitating the communication between neurons. These chemical messengers, varying in function and effect, are critical for sustaining various aspects of neurological health and emotional well-being.
01:30Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters play a crucial role in the communication between neurons in the autonomic nervous system. Neurons in the autonomic nervous system can be cholinergic or adrenergic depending on the neurotransmitters synthesized. Cholinergic neurons use acetylcholine as their primary neurotransmitter. This includes all the preganglionic fibers of the sympathetic and pre- and postganglionic fibers of the parasympathetic nervous systems. In addition, neurons of the somatic nervous system also use...
01:23Role of Neurotransmitters in Memory
Neurotransmitters are integral to the brain's communication system, enabling neurons to transmit signals across synapses. This chemical exchange underpins various cognitive functions, including memory processes. The role of neurotransmitters in memory is multifaceted, influencing the encoding, consolidation, and retrieval of memories through their action on different neural circuits.
Glutamate and Synaptic Plasticity
Glutamate, the brain's main excitatory neurotransmitter, is critical for...
Glutamate and Synaptic Plasticity
Glutamate, the brain's main excitatory neurotransmitter, is critical for...
01:24Muscle Recovery and Fatigue
Muscle fatigue refers to the decline in a muscle's ability to maintain the force of contraction after prolonged activity. It primarily stems from changes within muscle fibers. Even before experiencing muscle fatigue, one may feel tired and have the urge to stop the activity. This response, known as central fatigue, occurs due to changes in the central nervous system, namely the brain and spinal cord. While there is no single mechanism that induces fatigue, it may serve as a protective response...
01:30Classification of Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters play a crucial role in the communication between neurons in the autonomic nervous system. Neurons in the autonomic nervous system can be cholinergic or adrenergic depending on the neurotransmitters synthesized. Cholinergic neurons use acetylcholine as their primary neurotransmitter. This includes all the preganglionic fibers of the sympathetic and pre- and postganglionic fibers of the parasympathetic nervous systems. In addition, neurons of the somatic nervous system also use...
01:21Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake
Certain drugs can affect how neurotransmitters called catecholamines, are released or taken back up in the adrenergic neuron. They can have different effects on the body's sympathetic transmission. Reserpine, a natural compound found in the Rauwolfia shrub, blocks a transporter called vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT), which leads to a buildup of catecholamines in the cell and reduces sympathetic transmission. Another drug called guanethidine works in multiple ways, including blocking...