Neural physiological basis and exercise-induced mechanism of central fatigue
- VernacularTitle:中枢疲劳的神经生理基础及运动诱发机制
- Author:
Qifei WANG
1
;
Xingbin DU
;
Jianda KONG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords: central fatigue; neurophysiological basis; exercise; inducing mechanisms; neurotransmitter; energy metabolism; neural network activity; neuroinflammation
- From: Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(32):6979-6988
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
- Abstract: BACKGROUND:Central fatigue refers to the phenomenon where changes in the functions of the central nervous system lead to a decline in an individual's exercise capacity and an increase in the sense of fatigue.With the continuous development of sports science,the mechanisms of exercise-induced central fatigue have gradually become a research hotspot.Although a large number of studies have explored the roles of biological mechanisms such as neurotransmitters,energy metabolism,and neuroinflammation in central fatigue,the interactions of these mechanisms and their manifestations in different exercise scenarios are still not fully understood.OBJECTIVE:To explore various biological mechanisms of exercise-induced central fatigue,clarify the interactions of neurotransmitters,energy metabolism,neural network activities,neuroinflammation,and oxidative stress in the formation of fatigue,and thereby provide a new perspective for understanding central fatigue.METHODS:Web of Science,PubMed,CNKI,WanFang,and VIP databases were searched with search terms"central fatigue,neurophysiological basis,exercise,physical activity,neurotransmitters,serotonin,dopamine,glutamate,GABA,energy metabolism,astrocytes,neuroinflammation,oxidative stress,cortical activity,neural network activity,sport"in Chinese and English.Relevant literature published from the establishment of each database to August 2024 was retrieved,and finally 74 articles were included for review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Exercise-induced central fatigue involves multiple complex biological mechanisms.The imbalance of neurotransmitters(such as serotonin,dopamine,glutamate,and γ-aminobutyric acid)is a key factor in central fatigue.In particular,the increase in serotonin is closely related to the enhancement of the sense of fatigue.The disorder of energy metabolism,especially the glycogen metabolism of astrocytes and the supply of lactic acid,plays an important role in the formation of fatigue during long-term exercise.Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress exacerbate the manifestations of central fatigue by affecting the release of neurotransmitters and the functions of neural networks.In addition,changes in the activities of neural networks,such as the decrease in the excitability of the cerebral cortex,directly affect exercise performance.Future studies should strengthen the comprehensive exploration of neurotransmitter,metabolic,and inflammatory pathways,conduct more human studies to verify the findings of animal experiments,explore the differences in the mechanisms of central fatigue under different exercise conditions(such as intensity,time,and environment),and study the potential of drug interventions or nutritional supplements based on neurotransmitter regulation in alleviating central fatigue.
