Einfluss einer intensiven Intervallbelastung auf die Beanspruchung der kortikalen Gehirnaktivität
Due to methodological and technical challenges brain cortical activity has rarely been investigated during endurance exercise. In this respect, it is not surprising that effects of an acute bout of interval training on central nervous activity have not been examined yet. Therefore, the aim of the present investigation was to characterize acute adaptations of brain cortical activity and established parameters to a high intensity endurance session. In a laboratory study sixteen endurance-trained cyclists completed an exercise bout including 3 interval series on a high-performance bicycle ergometer. Changes in cortical activity were recorded with quantitative electroencephalography (EEG) and analyzed in five specific frequency ranges (theta, alpha-1, alpha-2, beta-1, beta-2). Additionally, heart rate, blood lactate concentration and received perception of effort (RPE) were measured. During warm-up brain cortical activity increased above resting levels. Compared to warm-up and active recovery, EEG spectral power in Alpha-2- and Beta-2-band was higher in each interval series. Similarly, heart rate, blood lactate concentration and RPE increased from active recovery to the following interval loads. Whereas those parameters also increased from the first to the last series of intervals, a significant reduction of spectral EEG power was recorded in the theta-, alpha-2-, beta-1- and beta-2-band. The results provide evidence on specific regulations of brain cortical activity during interval training. Gained insights on the dose-response relationship can be transferred into the training practice to optimize load control.