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JOURNAL
OF
SPORTS SCIENCE &
MEDICINE
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Research
article
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CHANGES IN EEG DURING GRADED EXERCISE ON A RECUMBENT CYCLE ERGOMETER |
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Stephen P. Bailey1  ,
Eric E. Hall2, Stephen E. Folger1 and Paul C. Miller2 |
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1Department of Physical Therapy Education and 2Department of Health and Human Performance, Elon University, NC, USA |
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© Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2008) 7, 505 - 511 Search Google Scholar for Citing Articles |
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| ABSTRACT | |||
| Previous studies have shown changes in brain activity as a result
of exercise; however, few studies have examined changes during exercise.
The purpose of this study was to examine brain activity during a graded
exercise test. Twenty male participants performed a graded exercise test
on a recumbent cycle ergometer. Exercise intensity was set initially at
50W and was increased by 50W every 2 minutes until volitional fatigue was
reached. Electroencephalography (EEG) was measured prior to the onset of
exercise, during the last minute of each stage of exercise, immediately
post-exercise, and 10 minutes into recovery. EEG was recorded from 8 scalp
sites leading to analysis of alpha 1, alpha 2, beta 1, beta 2, and theta
activities. Expired air was collected and analyzed for ventilation rate
(VE), VO2, % of peak VO2, and Respiratory Exchange
Ratio (RER). No differences were seen in EEG between the hemispheres of
the brain. There was, however, a significant increase in brain activity
across the spectrum occurring at 200 W through immediately post-exercise.
Brain activity returned to pre- exercise levels by 10 minutes post. VO2,
% of peak VO2 and RER increased linearly with exercise intensity.
VE increased linearly through 200 W; however, a disproportionate increase
was seen in VE from 200 W to peak exercise. The results of this investigation
demonstrate that brain activity may be related to exercise intensity. Future
research will want to examine how these changes in brain activity influence
affective, perceptual and cognitive changes often associated with exercise.
Efforts will also need to be made to determine if changes in brain activity
during exercise are mediated by central (within the brain) or peripheral
mechanisms.
Key words: Exercise, EEG, brain activity. |
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