Abstract
This thesis explores the effects of exercise-induced fatigability on postural control in healthy young adults, focusing on behavioral and cortical adaptations. Fatiguing exercise, whether general or localized, increases body sway, emphasizing the critical role of subcortical and cortical structures in maintaining stability. Compensatory cortical activation serves as a key adaptive response but comes at a higher neuromuscular and cognitive cost. Residual effects, such as delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), may cause long-term impairments in postural control. The thesis addresses these issues through three studies: i) Systematic review: To analyze the effects of exercise-induced fatigability on behavioral and cortical aspects of postural control, identifying recovery dynamics and methodological gaps; ii) Comparative study: To how general (treadmill running) and localized (ankle exercise) fatiguing protocols differentially affect cortical activity and postural control; iii) Long-term effects investigation: To assess postural control recovery up to 192 hours after localized fatigability. The systematic review revealed significant methodological variability and a lack of studies on cortical contributions to postural regulation. Experimental findings showed that both general and localized fatigue impair musculoskeletal, sensory, and cortical systems. General fatigue led to greater cortical changes, with increased delta and decreased alpha, beta, and theta activity, particularly in prefrontal, motor, and occipital areas. Localized fatigue also induced cortical changes, albeit to a lesser extent. Long-term effects indicated persistent postural deficits up to 192 hours, highlighting the need for effective recovery strategies. By integrating biomechanical and neurophysiological perspectives, this thesis enhances understanding of fatigability's impact on postural control. Findings underscore the crucial role of cortical engagement and provide a basis for targeted interventions in sports, rehabilitation, and daily activities requiring balance stability. Future research should explore cortical-motor interactions to optimize recovery and improve motor performance and safety.
Authors
Penedo, Tiago
https://repositorio.unesp.br/entities/publication/ebf8b4e5-7923-4fdc-93b2-a44c2d36cf42