Central and peripheral fatigue
Physiological fatigue i.e. the loss of force producing capacity as a result of exercise is caused by both central and peripheral fatigue. They can occur at the same time or separately.
Physiological fatigue i.e. the loss of force producing capacity as a result of exercise is caused by both central and peripheral fatigue. They can occur at the same time or separately.
Central fatigue
Central fatigue involves events incurring in the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) rather than in the muscles. It is linked to neurotransmitter systems in the brain that are linked to arousal, sleepiness and mood. Central fatigue can arise if the brain becomes overheated. Biochemical changes occur when body temperature increases during prolonged intensive exercise.
When central fatigue develops, the brain becomes unable to send enough signals to the muscles to maintain optimal muscle activation. This results in general body fatigue (tiredness, loss of drive, sleepiness etc) and reduced muscle force, which increases steadily as exercise progresses. Central fatigue tends to be of a lower intensity and duration than peripheral fatigue.
Central fatigue involves events incurring in the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) rather than in the muscles. It is linked to neurotransmitter systems in the brain that are linked to arousal, sleepiness and mood. Central fatigue can arise if the brain becomes overheated. Biochemical changes occur when body temperature increases during prolonged intensive exercise.
When central fatigue develops, the brain becomes unable to send enough signals to the muscles to maintain optimal muscle activation. This results in general body fatigue (tiredness, loss of drive, sleepiness etc) and reduced muscle force, which increases steadily as exercise progresses. Central fatigue tends to be of a lower intensity and duration than peripheral fatigue.
Peripheral fatigue
Peripheral fatigue results from internal changes in the actual muscles (motor units) during exercise, whereby the muscles become fatigued and unable to continue producing the same level of force. Peripheral fatigue is caused by a lack of energy resources within the muscle, which results in the accumulation of lactic acid and other metabolites within the muscle. This causes a burning sensation and fatigue within the muscle. Fatigue occurs at the neuromuscular junction. Research suggests that a calcium leak during exercise leads to muscle fatigue.
Peripheral fatigue is the main cause of fatigue for rowers and addressing it is key. Peripheral fatigue tends to be of a higher intensity than central fatigue and is mostly localised in the muscles. Endurance and strength exercises reduce peripheral muscle fatigue through forcing muscles to adapt by increasing energy supply and waste removal.
Peripheral fatigue results from internal changes in the actual muscles (motor units) during exercise, whereby the muscles become fatigued and unable to continue producing the same level of force. Peripheral fatigue is caused by a lack of energy resources within the muscle, which results in the accumulation of lactic acid and other metabolites within the muscle. This causes a burning sensation and fatigue within the muscle. Fatigue occurs at the neuromuscular junction. Research suggests that a calcium leak during exercise leads to muscle fatigue.
Peripheral fatigue is the main cause of fatigue for rowers and addressing it is key. Peripheral fatigue tends to be of a higher intensity than central fatigue and is mostly localised in the muscles. Endurance and strength exercises reduce peripheral muscle fatigue through forcing muscles to adapt by increasing energy supply and waste removal.