The Effect of Music Stimulation on Resting-State Brain Functional Networks Following Exhaustive Endurance Exercise:...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science

Background:

• Intense endurance exercise can lead to central fatigue and altered brain functional connectivity.
• Understanding the neurophysiological impact of music on brain networks during exercise is crucial for performance optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the immediate effects of motivational music on brain functional connectivity in male athletes post-intense endurance exercise.
• To analyze changes in brain network topology and efficiency using resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) and graph theory.

Main Methods:

• 34 male athletes performed incremental cycling to exhaustion with and without music.
• Resting-state EEG was recorded pre- and post-exercise.
• Brain functional networks (theta, alpha, beta bands) were analyzed using phase locking value (PLV) and graph theory.

Main Results:

• Music significantly increased time to exhaustion and improved global/local network efficiency.
• Without music, beta-band connectivity increased post-exercise, indicating compensatory hyper-synchronization.
• Music reduced alpha/beta-band connectivity, strengthened sensorimotor-central executive network coupling, and enhanced dorsal attention-default mode network coordination.

Conclusions:

• Intense exercise without music induces maladaptive brain connectivity changes.
• Music promotes neural efficiency and optimizes large-scale brain network organization under physical stress.
• These findings offer neurophysiological evidence for music's role in enhancing endurance performance.