Open AccessAcute high-intensity and moderate-intensity interval exercise do not change corticospinal excitability in low fit, young adults
Author(s) -
Jenin El-Sayes,
Claudia V. Turco,
Lauren E. Skelly,
Mitchell B. Locke,
Martin J. Gibala,
Aimee J. Nelson
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0227581
Subject(s) - transcranial magnetic stimulation , neuroplasticity , intensity (physics) , physical medicine and rehabilitation , medicine , aerobic exercise , exercise intensity , physical therapy , cardiology , psychology , neuroscience , stimulation , physics , heart rate , quantum mechanics , blood pressure
Previous research has demonstrated a lack of neuroplasticity induced by acute exercise in low fit individuals, but the influence of exercise intensity is unclear. In the present study, we assessed the effect of acute high-intensity (HI) or moderate-intensity (MOD) interval exercise on neuroplasticity in individuals with low fitness, as determined by a peak oxygen uptake (VO 2peak ) test (n = 19). Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to assess corticospinal excitability via area under the motor evoked potential (MEP) recruitment curve before and following training. Corticospinal excitability was unchanged after HI and MOD, suggesting no effect of acute exercise on neuroplasticity as measured via TMS in sedentary, young individuals. Repeated bouts of exercise, i.e., physical training, may be required to induce short-term changes in corticospinal excitability in previously sedentary individuals.