Fatigue development and perceived response during self-paced endurance exercise: state-of-the-art review

Author(s)

Azevedo, Rafael de Almeida ^[1] ; Silva-Cavalcante, Marcos David ^{[1, 2]} ; Lima-Silva, Adriano Eduardo ^[3] ; Bertuzzi, Romulo ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Phys Educ & Sport, Endurance Sports Res Grp GEDAE USP, Av Prof Mello Moraes, 65 Cidade Univ, BR-05508030 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Pernambuco, Acad Ctr Vitoria, Sport Sci Res Grp, Postgrad Program Nutr Phys Act & Phenotyp Plast, Recife, PE - Brazil

^[3] Fed Univ Technol Parana UTFPR, Human Performance Res Grp, Curitiba, Parana - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY; v. 121, n. 3 JAN 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Performance in self-paced endurance exercises results from continuous fatigue symptom management. While it is suggested that perceived responses and neuromuscular fatigue development may determine variations in exercise intensity, it is uncertain how these fatigue components interact throughout the task. To address the fatigue development in self-paced endurance exercises, the following topics were addressed in the present review: (1) fatigue development during constant-load vs. self-paced endurance exercises; (2) central and peripheral fatigue and perceived exertion interconnections throughout the self-paced endurance exercises; and (3) future directions and recommendations. Based on the available literature, it is suggested (1) the work rate variations during a self-paced endurance exercise result in transitions between exercise intensity domains, directly impacting the end-exercise central and peripheral fatigue level when compared to constant-load exercise mode; (2) central and peripheral fatigue, as well as perceived exertion response contribute to exercise intensity regulation at the different stages of the trial. It seems that while neuromuscular fatigue development might be relevant at beginning of the trial, the perceived exertion might interfere in the remaining parts to achieve maximal values only at the finish line; (3) future studies should focus on the mechanisms underpinning fatigue components interactions throughout the task and its influence on exercise intensity variations. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/22053-0 - Pacing in cycling: a study about the neuromuscular fatigue and metabolic interface
• Grantee: Rômulo Cássio de Moraes Bertuzzi
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants