From catastrophe to complexity: a novel model of integrative central neural regulation of effort and fatigue during exercise in humans: summary and conclusions

Br J Sports Med. 2005 Feb;39(2):120-4. doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2003.010330.

Abstract

It is hypothesised that physical activity is controlled by a central governor in the brain and that the human body functions as a complex system during exercise. Using feed forward control in response to afferent feedback from different physiological systems, the extent of skeletal muscle recruitment is controlled as part of a continuously altering pacing strategy, with the sensation of fatigue being the conscious interpretation of these homoeostatic, central governor control mechanisms.

MeSH terms

  • Central Nervous System / physiology*
  • Energy Metabolism / physiology
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Motor Activity / physiology
  • Muscle Fatigue / physiology*
  • Physical Endurance / physiology
  • Physical Exertion / physiology