Cortical Brain Activity is Influenced by Cadence in Cyclists

Abstract

Abstract:The importance of the central nervous system in endurance exercise has not yet been exhaustively investigated because of difficulties in measuring cortical parameters in sport science. During exercise there are a lot of artifacts and perturbations which can affect signal quality of cortical brain activity. The technical developments of surface electroencephalography (EEG) minimize such influences during standardized test conditions on a bicycle ergometer. The aim of this study was to investigate how movement frequency affects cortical brain activity and established physiological parameters during exercise. In cycling peak performance is affected by cadence. The analysis of brain cortical activity might lead to new insights in the relation of power and cadence. In a laboratory study sixteen male, endurance-trained cyclists completed a 60 min endurance exercise on a high-performance bicycle ergometer. Cadence was changed every 10 min (90-120-60-120-60-90 rpm). EEG was used to analyze changes in cortical brain activity. Furthermore, heart rate, blood lactate and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured after each cadence change. The results indicate that heart rate, blood lactate and RPE were higher at 120 rpm compared to 60 rpm. The spectral EEG power increased statistically significantly in the alpha-2 and beta-2 frequency range by changing cadence from 60 to 120 rpm. By lowering the cadence from 120 to 60 rpm the spectral power dropped statistically significantly in all analyzed EEG frequency bands. The data also showed a statistically significant decrease of spectral EEG power in all frequency ranges over time. In conclusion, the analyzed EEG data indicate that cadence should be considered as an independent exercise normative in the training process, because it directly influences metabolic, cardiac and cortical parameters.

Effects of high vs. low cadence training on cyclists’ brain cortical activity during exercise

“…During the test the workload was held constant at 100% P IANS . The test set-up was identical to Hottenrott et al 4 For the EEG recordings, 32 Ag/AgCl electrodes were mounted to the subjects head with a flexible, breathable EEG cap (ActiCap, BrainVision, Germany) and arranged according to the international 10:20 system. 12 Occipital and temporal electrodes were deactivated, as exercise is known to provoke muscle artifacts at these electrode sites.…”

“…12 Occipital and temporal electrodes were deactivated, as exercise is known to provoke muscle artifacts at these electrode sites. 4 FCz was used as reference and AFz as ground. The active EEG electrodes were filled with SuperVisc gel (EasyCap GmbH, Germany) to reduce impedances below 10 K .…”

“…3 Moreover, spectral power densities as well as frontal asymmetry follow an inverted U-shaped curve over exercise time. 4,5 Whereas the plateau was previously interpreted as phase of optimal performance, the decrease is known to be a symptom of central fatigue. 6 These findings confirm that in endurance competitions the maintenance of a high central activation is required to prevent the reduction of the power output and the termination of exercise resulting from central fatigue.…”

Four weeks of high cadence training alter brain cortical activity in cyclists

“…Especially, the electroencephalogram (EEG) serves as a practical method to assess brain cortical activity during motion as it does not require the restriction of movements (Reis, Hebenstreit, Gabsteiger, Von Tscharner, & Lochmann, 2014). Therefore, knowledge on the dose-response relationship of acute exercise and brain cortical activity has predominantly been generated by investigating EEG rhythms (Hottenrott, Taubert, & Gronwald, 2013).…”

Using the Placebo Effect to Isolate Control Mechanisms of Athletic Performance: A Research Protocol

“…48 To completely understand affective and perceptual responses during exercise and central fatigue mechanisms, it is crucial to understand the brain processes involved. [49][50][51] Studies have shown, that changes in brain activity occur secondary to the metabolic changes associated with central fatigue during prolonged exercise [52][53][54] and activity in the frontal cortex is associated with affective 55 and perceptual 49 responses to acute bouts of exercise.…”