Cortical Activity during a Highly-Trained Resistance Exercise Movement Emphasizing Force, Power or Volume.

Shawn Flanagan,William Kraemer,Carl Maresh,Brett Comstock,Jeff Volek,Craig Denegar,Courtenay Dunn-Lewis

doi:10.3390/brainsci2040649

Abstract

Cortical activity is thought to reflect the biomechanical properties of movement (e.g., force or velocity of movement), but fatigue and movement familiarity are important factors that require additional consideration in electrophysiological research. The purpose of this within-group quantitative electroencephalogram (EEG) investigation was to examine changes in cortical activity amplitude and location during four resistance exercise movement protocols emphasizing rate (PWR), magnitude (FOR), or volume (VOL) of force production, while accounting for movement familiarity and fatigue. EEG signals were recorded during each complete repetition and were then grouped by functional region, processed to eliminate artifacts, and averaged to compare overall differences in the magnitude and location of cortical activity between protocols over the course of six sets. Biomechanical, biochemical, and exertional data were collected to contextualize electrophysiological data. The most fatiguing protocols were accompanied by the greatest increases in cortical activity. Furthermore, despite non-incremental loading and lower force levels, VOL displayed the largest increases in cortical activity over time and greatest motor and sensory activity overall. Our findings suggest that cortical activity is strongly related to aspects of fatigue during a high intensity resistance exercise movement.

Highlights

Exercise is increasingly recognized for its role in optimizing cognitive function and learning, as well as in the prevention and management of neurodegenerative disorders [1,2]
Protocols, motor activity increased despite progressive decreases in power output and resistance loads
Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings were obtained throughout each protocol visit, and data recorded during each complete repetition was used to produce quantitative data on regional cortical activity increases in the cortex

Summary

Introduction

Exercise is increasingly recognized for its role in optimizing cognitive function and learning, as well as in the prevention and management of neurodegenerative disorders [1,2]. It is well established that the brain is essential for neuromuscular adaptations to exercise [3]. While we have begun to appreciate the relationship between the brain and exercise, investigations of brain activity during intense, whole-body exercise are rare. Most brain imaging devices cannot capture brain activity during high-intensity, whole-body movements due to blood flow changes or limitations in permitted movement during data acquisition [4]. Many investigations to date have examined brain activity before or after exercise. Most studies have used isolated (e.g., finger flexion), isometric, or low-intensity movements not typically found in traditional exercise or the behavioral repertoire

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