The Influence of Thermal Alterations on Prefrontal Cortex Activation and Neuromuscular Function during a Fatiguing Task

Kevin Cyle Phillips, Derek Verbrigghe, Alex Gabe, Brittany Jauquet, Claire Eischer and Tejin Yoon
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Kevin Cyle Phillips: Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Dr, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
Derek Verbrigghe: Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Dr, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
Alex Gabe: Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Dr, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
Brittany Jauquet: Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Dr, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
Claire Eischer: Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Dr, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
Tejin Yoon: Department of Physical Education, Kangwon National University, 1 Gangwondaehak-gil, Hyoja-dong, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do 24341, Korea

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 19, 1-17

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine prefrontal cortex (PFC) activation, neuromuscular function, and perceptual measures in response to a fatiguing task, following thermal alterations of an exercising arm. Nineteen healthy adults completed three experimental sessions. At baseline, participants performed maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) of the elbow flexors. Next, participants submerged their right arm in a water bath for 15 min. Cold (C), neutral (N), and hot (H) water temperatures were maintained at 8, 33, and 44 °C, respectively. Following water immersion, participants performed an isometric elbow flexion contraction, at 20% of their MVIC, for 5 min. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), muscular discomfort, and task demands were assessed. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy was used to measure activation (oxygenation) of the PFC during the fatiguing task. Reductions in MVIC torque at the end of the fatiguing task were greater for the H (25.7 ± 8.4%) and N (22.2 ± 9.6%) conditions, compared to the C condition (17.5 ± 8.9%, p < 0.05). The increase in oxygenation of the PFC was greater for the H (13.3 ± 4.9 μmol/L) and N (12.4 ± 4.4 μmol/L) conditions, compared to the C condition (10.3 ± 3.8 μmol/L, p < 0.001) at the end of the fatiguing task. The increase in RPE, muscular discomfort, and task demands were greater in the H condition compared to the N and C conditions ( p < 0.01). These results indicate that precooling an exercising arm attenuates the rise in PFC activation, muscle fatigue, and psychological rating during a fatiguing task.

Keywords: fNIRS; pain; RPE; muscle fatigue; brain; perception (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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