Is it time to retire the 'central governor'?

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Neuroscience
• Sports Science

Background:

• The Central Governor theory posits a brain center regulates exercise intensity to protect vital organs.
• This theory suggests a feed-forward mechanism conserves homeostasis during vigorous effort.
• The hypothesis aims to explain physiological limits during exhaustive exercise.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence supporting key corollaries of the Central Governor hypothesis.
• To examine evolutionary pressures, protective effectiveness, and limiting factors of peak performance.
• To assess the role of peripheral factors versus central control in exercise limitation.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing scientific literature and experimental findings related to the Central Governor theory.
• Examination of evidence concerning evolutionary pressures for such a regulatory mechanism.
• Analysis of studies on hyperthermia, ischemia, cardiac output, oxygen consumption, and electromyography during exercise.

Main Results:

• A lack of convincing experimental evidence supporting the corollaries of the Central Governor hypothesis was found.
• Some findings, like the oxygen consumption plateau in young adults, contradict the theory's predictions.
• Evidence for peripheral factors limiting peak performance and the limiting role of electromyographic activity remains inconclusive.

Conclusions:

• The reviewed evidence does not convincingly support the Central Governor theory's proposed mechanisms.
• Observed physiological phenomena, such as oxygen consumption plateaus, challenge the theory's central role in limiting exercise.
• Further research is needed to definitively establish the physiological determinants of peak exercise performance.