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Updated: May 21, 2026
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Corticospinal Excitability Modulation During Action Observation
Published on: December 31, 2013
Perception of effort reflects central motor command during movement execution.
Helma M de Morree1, Christoph Klein, Samuele M Marcora
1School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom.
Psychophysiology
|June 26, 2012
Summary
Perception of effort during physical tasks reflects the brain's motor command signals. This study found direct neurophysiological evidence correlating perceived effort with central motor command during movement.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Human Physiology
Background:
- The perception of effort during physical exertion is hypothesized to represent the conscious awareness of central motor commands.
- Understanding this relationship is crucial for fields ranging from sports science to rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To directly test the hypothesis that perception of effort is the conscious awareness of central motor commands.
- To investigate the neurophysiological underpinnings of perceived effort during motor tasks.
Main Methods:
- Sixteen healthy men performed unilateral elbow flexions with varying weights (20% and 35% 1RM) and arm fatigue states.
- Recorded data included rating of perceived effort (RPE), biceps brachii electromyogram (EMG) activity, and movement-related cortical potentials (MRCP).
Main Results:
- Both perceived effort and MRCP amplitude increased with greater weight and muscle fatigue.
- A significant positive correlation was observed between RPE and MRCP amplitude at the vertex during weight lifting.
Conclusions:
- This study provides direct neurophysiological evidence supporting the link between perceived effort and central motor command.
- Findings suggest that the brain's motor output signals are a key component of the conscious experience of effort during movement.
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