Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the neural adaptations to endurance training, and more specifically the adaptation of the cortical voluntary activation of the knee extensor (KE) muscles.

Methods: Sixteen sedentary men were randomly allocated into an endurance training (n = 8) or a control group (n = 8). All subjects performed a maximal aerobic speed test (MAS) before and immediately after the training period. Training lasted 8 weeks and was based on endurance running. During Pre- and Post-training testing sessions, maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) was measured and voluntary activation (VA) was calculated via peripheral nerve (PNS) and transcranial magnetic stimulations (TMS) superimposed to MVC. Electromyographic activity (EMG) of the KE muscles was also measured during MVC, PNS (M-wave) and TMS (motor evoked potentials-MEP). The cortical silent period following TMS was also assessed.

Results: Despite a significant improvement in endurance running performance, as suggested by the increase of MAS in the training group (Pre 15.4 ± 1.6 vs. Post 16.4 ± 1.6 km·h(-1)), endurance training did not affect MVC or VA as measured with PNS and TMS. Similarly, the EMG of KE muscles during MVC did not show any significant changes. Furthermore, the MEP amplitude and the duration of the silent period also remained unchanged after endurance training.

Conclusions: The present study suggests an 8-week endurance-training program does not generate adaptations of neural factors in sedentary subjects.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00421-013-2793-6DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

endurance training
16
voluntary activation
12
maximal voluntary
8
knee extensor
8
mas training
8
endurance running
8
mvc measured
8
emg muscles
8
silent period
8
training
7

Similar Publications

Effects of a Tailored Home-Based Exercise Program, "KidMove", on Children with Cystic Fibrosis: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Healthcare (Basel)

December 2024

Respiratory Research and Rehabilitation Laboratory (Lab3R), School of Health Sciences (ESSUA) and Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Agras do Crasto-Campus Universitário de Santiago, Building 30, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.

Exercise for children with cystic fibrosis leads to well-known health benefits. However, maintaining regular activity is challenging due to the daily demands of academics, clinical care, and family tasks. Home-based exercise programs offer a more adaptable alternative, fitting into family schedules.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Schizophrenia is considered to be a condition that usually manifests at any age but commonly seen in young people and is associated with a genetic propensity in brain development.

Aim: The study explores the impact of aerobic training on brain architecture, hippocampal volume, cardiorespiratory parameters, and quality of life in young individuals with schizophrenia. The investigation focuses on the correlation between genetic predisposition, hippocampal atrophy, and diminished cardiorespiratory fitness, aiming to discern potential benefits of aerobic exercise on both physical and mental health outcomes.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Hypoxic training enhances endurance sports tolerance. However, individual responses vary due to physiological differences. This study investigated the relationship between genetic factors and exercise tolerance in hypoxic conditions.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Medical training therapy (MTT) is an advanced, individualized rehabilitation approach that integrates multiple methods to improve physical function. It is widely applied to rehabilitate sports injuries. This randomized study evaluated MTT's effects on physical injury rehabilitation, mental function, and athletic performance in elite rock climbers.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Monocarboxylates, transported by monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs), have been proposed to influence energy homeostasis and exhibit altered metabolism during exercise. This study investigated the association between the Asp490Glu (T1470A) (rs1049434) polymorphism of the SLC16A1 (MCT1) gene and changes in body composition in males and females with overweight or obesity. The 173 participants (56.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!