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Published on: December 19, 2024
Perceived exertion is not necessarily associated with altered brain activity during exercise
Kenichi Shibuya1, Chihoko Ueda, Kohei Sato
1Research Institute of Physical Fitness, Japan Women's College of Physical Education, Tokyo157-8565, Japan. kshibuya@jwcpe.ac.jp
Journal of Physiological Anthropology
|April 7, 2009
Summary
This study found that perceived exertion during exercise did not significantly alter prefrontal cortex activation. Muscle-spindle stimulation reduced perceived exertion but did not change brain oxygenation, suggesting no direct link.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Exercise Physiology
- Human Movement Science
Background:
- Previous research explored prefrontal cortex (PFC) activation and perceived exertion during exercise.
- Exercise intensity confounds the relationship between PFC activity and perceived exertion.
- The impact of perceived exertion on PFC activity remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between prefrontal cortex oxygenation and perceived exertion.
- To examine these effects during constant work-rate elbow-flexion exercise.
- To assess the influence of muscle-spindle stimulation (vibration) on this relationship.
Main Methods:
- Ten healthy subjects performed elbow-flexion exercise at 25-35% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC).
- Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measured prefrontal cortex oxygenation.
- Muscle-spindle stimulation (vibration) was applied during some exercise trials to reduce perceived exertion.
Main Results:
- Perceived exertion ratings were significantly lower with vibration (Ex-Vib) compared to without (Ex).
- Prefrontal cortex oxygenation did not significantly differ between Ex-Vib and Ex conditions.
- This indicates perceived exertion is not necessarily linked to PFC activation.
Conclusions:
- Perceived exertion may not directly correlate with prefrontal cortex activation during exercise.
- Muscle-spindle stimulation effectively reduces perceived exertion without altering PFC oxygenation.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the neural correlates of perceived exertion.
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