Abstract
ObjectiveVigorous systemic exercise stimulates a cascade of molecular and cellular processes that enhance central nervous system (CNS) plasticity and performance. The influence of heat stress on CNS performance and learning is novel. We designed two experiments to determine whether passive heat stress (1) facilitated motor cortex excitability and (2) improved motor task acquisition compared to no heat stress. MethodsMotor evoked potentials (MEPs) from the first dorsal interosseus (FDI) were collected before and after 30min of heat stress at 73°C. A second cohort of subjects performed a motor learning task using the FDI either following heat or the no heat condition. ResultsHeat stress increased heart rate to 65% of age-predicted maximum. After heat, mean resting MEP amplitude increased 48% (p<0.05). MEP stimulus–response amplitudes did not differ according to stimulus intensity. In the second experiment, heat stress caused a significant decrease in absolute and variable error (p<0.05) during a novel movement task using the FDI. ConclusionsPassive environmental heat stress (1) increases motor cortical excitability, and (2) enhances performance in a motor skill acquisition task. SignificanceControlled heat stress may prime the CNS to enhance motor skill acquisition during rehabilitation.
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