Hemodynamic changes in athletes’ brains: is there any adaptation?

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Manci E., Deniz O. C., GÜDÜCÜ Ç., GÜNAY E., Bediz C. S.

General Physiology and Biophysics, vol.40, no.5, pp.387-396, 2021 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 40 Issue: 5
  • Publication Date: 2021
  • Doi Number: 10.4149/gpb_2021027
  • Journal Name: General Physiology and Biophysics
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, EMBASE, MEDLINE
  • Page Numbers: pp.387-396
  • Keywords: Athlete’s brain, Brain hemodynamics, Fatigue and recovery, Functional near-infrared spectroscopy, Sprint interval training
  • Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
  • Manisa Celal Bayar University Affiliated: No

Abstract

This study compared the hemodynamic changes in the prefrontal cortex during sprint interval training (SIT) and recovery periods in sedentary and athletes. SIT was performed on a cycling ergometer on 12 male athletes and 9 sedentary participants. A functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) device was used to record the hemodynamic changes of the prefrontal cortex throughout the protocol. The oxyhemoglobin (Oxy-Hb) levels in the prefrontal cortex were increased significantly, and the power outputs were decreased in repetitive Wingate anaerobic tests (WAnTs) in Sedentary and Athletes group (p < 0.001). In addition, the Sedentary group had higher Oxy-Hb values (p < 0.001). However, the recovery times decreased significantly after all WAnTs (p < 0.05). Despite the increased fatigue, athletes performed better with less Oxy-Hb than the sedentary participants. Also, the recovery of the Oxy-Hb values in the prefrontal region was faster in athletes. These results may highlight a possible brain adaptation in athletes.