Abstract
Results Achieved: The aim of the PERCEIPT project was to investigate the effects of 4 weeks of resistance training on neuromuscular functions, perceived exertion (RPE), fatigue, pain and electroencephalographic (EEG) parameters. 20 untrained young individuals participated in the study and were assigned to the experimental group or to a control group. The evaluations were conducted during a leg extension protocol including 240 repetitions (4 blocks of 60 extensions) at 30% of 1 repetition maximum, with a maximum knee flexion of 90°. Every 10 repetitions, RPE, peak isometric force (PIF), rate of force development (RFD) were registered. The reductions of RPE registered during the assessment protocol, were more elevated in the experimental group compared to the control group (p<0.05). The effects of fatigue were also lower in the experimental group compared to the control. However, no significant effects were registered in any EEG parameters. Beside the main research project (PERCEIPT), the investigators performed another study about neuromuscular activation and recovery following isometric exercise in men and women. In particular, the study was conducted on young individuals (12 men; age: 25.3± 4.1 years; height:177.6±7.4 cm; body mass: 81.6±10.1 Kg; training experience: 6.7±3.7 years and 10 women; age: 24.5±1.4 years; height: 166.4±6.7 cm; age: 24.5±1.4 years; body mass 62.5±7.4 Kg,training experience:5.0±2.7 years) performing a single isometric resistance exercise session consisting of a high intensity intermittent isometric exercise for the pectoral muscle. These individuals were tested for muscle excitation, power, isometric force and muscle architecture, pre and 15-min, 24-h post the isometric exercise session. Peak force, average power at bench throw power test, muscle architecture (muscle thickness and corrected echo intensity), and muscle soreness were assessed before, and 15 minutes, 24 and 48 hours postexercise. Rate of perceived exertion was also collected 15 minutes postexercise. Although men were significantly stronger that women, no sex differences were detected in changes of peak force (p=0.184) and short muscle length (p=0.514), muscle architecture (p=0.552), soreness (p=0.09), and on rate of perceived exertion (p=0.452). However, a greater drop in average power at the bench throw power test was registered in men compared with women 15 minutes postexercise (p=0.001). The study showed that, although similar patterns of muscle recovery were observed in men and women, a sex-related difference may exist in the acute effects of isometric exercise on power exertion. Men indeed may be more sensitive to acute fatigue and more prone to power reductions after isometric exercise. The manuscript “Influence of sex on the recovery response following isometric exercise performed at long muscle length” has been published on the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. Abstract: Perceived fatigability refers to the subjective feelings of effort and fatigue experienced in relation to a physical or cognitive task. Perceived fatigability impacts attention and action, and it has emerged as a potentially important clinical outcome and quality of life indicator. Despite the significant burden of fatigue on public health and its relevance to human well-being, a consensus about the complex interaction between physiological and psychological factors underlying perceived fatigability is still missing. Numerous strategies have also been put forward to ameliorate symptoms of fatigue, but with mitigated success. PERCEPT is a 2-year project involving two Research Units and consisting of four integrated Work Packages with the following overarching objectives: - Identification of the neurophysiological patterns correlated to perceived fatigability during a physical task in healthy young, in the elderly individuals. - Preliminary testing of the effects of tailored practical interventions (neurobehavioral and resistance training) on perceived physical fatigability and its neurophysiological correlates in the populations cited above. Because of the nature of the interventions, the study design and the inclusion of various psychological and physiological measurements, these intervention studies will also help to differentiate between top-down and bottom-up mechanisms of perceived fatigability during physical tasks. A better understanding of the mechanisms of perceived physical fatigability and the preliminary intervention studies included in PERCEPT are important steps in the research process required to develop practical and effective interventions to reduce perceived physical fatigability in various populations. PERCEPT takes advantage of a multidisciplinary approach, joining researchers with complementary outstanding expertise in the fields of physiological and clinical psychology, exercise and sport physiology, physical rehabilitation and infectious disease medicine. PERCEPT will not only have the potential to fill an important gap in literature, contributing to develop a translational model of fatigue, but will also pave the way for new effective interventions,. Because of the personal, social and economic burden of disabling fatigue, PERCEPT has the potential to have a positive impact on public health.
Dettagli del progetto
Responsabile scientifico: Sandro Bartolomei
Strutture Unibo coinvolte:
Dipartimento di Scienze per la Qualità della Vita
Coordinatore:
Università degli Studi G.D'Annunzio di Chieti - Pescara(Italy)
Contributo totale Unibo: Euro (EUR) 76.731,00
Durata del progetto in mesi: 24
Data di inizio
05/10/2023
Data di fine:
28/02/2026
