Factors influencing central and peripheral fatigue

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

The focus of this research is to study the factors that influence central (brain) and peripheral (muscle) fatigue during exercise. It is proposed that both central and peripheral factors contribute to fatigue in humans during physical work. However, what is not known is the contribution of each of these factors to fatigue. In this research, oxygen extraction and blood flow will be monitored in both the brain and the muscle during different types of exhaustive exercise and under different environmental conditions (eg. hypoxia or reduced oxygen, increased body temperature, ageing, fitness status). It is hoped that this information will increase our understanding of the biological mechanisms responsible for oxygen and blood delivery to the brain and muscle. Knowing this has important implications for our understanding of the limits of human performance, and issues related to brain and muscle health in the elderly and chronic disease to enhance their quality of life.