In a Brain Post from 2012 I reviewed a study of fatigue in elite athletic performance. This study supported a key role in the brain insula in regulating the perception of exercise-induced fatigue. You can access this post by clicking HERE.
An update on this topic was recently published in PloS One by a research team in Australia.
This study compared performance on a cognitive task after extreme 20 minute cycling time trial. Professional cyclists were compared to recreational cyclists on the Stroop test that requires inhibitory control.
The results of the study were that elite cyclists performed significantly better on the Stroop test (more correct responses) following exercise than non-elite cyclists. This is indicative of a greater resistance effects of fatigue on brain performance.
The authors note in the discussion section:"These finding suggest that successful endurance performance may require superior inhibitory control and resistance to mental fatigue."
This resistance to mental fatigue at high levels of exercise may be a key component in successful performance at the elite level.
Inhibitory control has been shown to have a significant genetic association and to be stable over time. It is possible that training interacts with genetic factors to produce brain fatigue resistance in the elite cyclist population.
Readers with more interest in this topic can access the free full-text research manuscript by clicking on the PMID link in the citation below.
Follow the author on Twitter HERE.
Photo of non-elite cyclist participating in triathlon is from the author's files.
Martin K, Staiano W, Menaspà P, Hennessey T, Marcora S, Keegan R, Thompson KG, Martin D, Halson S, & Rattray B (2016). Superior Inhibitory Control and Resistance to Mental Fatigue in Professional Road Cyclists. PloS one, 11 (7) PMID: 27441380
Happy New Year Brain Posts readers!
Thank you for following these posts. To begin 2016 I would like to highlight research related to performance enhancement. These posts will look at legal as well as illicit methods.
Here are a few recent research abstracts that caught my attention and will be on my reading list over the next few days.
Memory Neuroenhancement in Autism
This study examined the effects of a Chinese mind-body training technique named Nei Gong training in children with autism.
Perceptual Training in Beach Volleyball
Beach volleyball players were studied in a trial of methods for gaze-path training.
Supplement Use by UK Army Soldiers
This study surveyed UK Army soldiers in training for use of supplements. Protein supplements, carbohydrate-electrolyte sport drinks and creatine were the most commonly endorsed supplements in use in the cohort.
Monthly Testosterone Use in Older Men
Twenty four elderly men participated in a trial of supplemental testosterone in two formats versus placebo on body composition and muscle strength.
Time of Day and Performance in a Cycling Trial
Nine male subjects participated in a trial examining cycling performance at various times of the day. Cycling performance and hormonal/metabolic effects were the key outcome variables in this study.
Follow the author on Twitter WRY999
Photo of red-shouldered hawk is from the author's files.
