Brain function during central fatigue induced by intermittent high-intensity cycling.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science

Background:

• The central governor model explains endurance exercise fatigue.
• Central fatigue mechanisms during high-intensity exercise remain under-investigated.
• This study explores neural responses during high-intensity cycling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate central fatigue's effect on neural response alterations.
• To measure electroencephalographic (EEG) changes during intermittent high-intensity cycling.
• To understand brain function changes during high-intensity exercise.

Main Methods:

• Assessed neural responses using electroencephalography (EEG) during a 60-min cycling bout.
• Intermittent high-intensity exercise with varying ergometer inclines (10-20°).
• Measured heart rate, blood lactate, and perceived exertion after each incline change.

Main Results:

• Heart rate, blood lactate, and perceived exertion increased significantly at higher inclines (20° vs. 5°).
• EEG spectral power significantly increased in alpha and beta bands between 5° and 20° inclines (P < 0.01).
• EEG spectral power increased across all frequency ranges from rest (theta +251%, alpha +165%, beta +145%).

Conclusions:

• Higher exercise intensities (10° and 20°) enhance brain function irrespective of fatigue.
• High-intensity interval training (HIIT) demonstrably alters neural responses.
• Further research is needed to explore HIIT's potential for improving brain function.