Central fatigue: Critical issues, quantification and practical implications

Abstract

Central fatigue during exercise is the decrease in muscle force attributable to a decline in motoneuronal output. Several methods have been used to assess central fatigue; however, some are limited or not sensitive enough to detect failure in central drive. Central fatigue develops during many forms of exercise. A number of mechanisms may contribute to its development including an increased inhibition mediated by group III and IV muscle afferents along with a decrease in muscle spindle facilitation. In some situations, motor cortical output is shown to be suboptimal. A specific terminology for central fatigue is included.