Key result
Open-skill training is linked to higher cortical oxygenation and connectivity during progressive fatigue.
Why the study?
Cortical functional changes during progressive fatigue among athletes from different training backgrounds were investigated to elucidate distinct neural modulation patterns associated with various exercise types.
Does long-term specialized training background affect cortical functional changes and autonomic regulation during progressive fatigue in male athletes?
Cross-Sectional (n=96)
Single-blind
No
Does long-term specialized training background affect cortical functional changes and autonomic regulation during progressive fatigue in male athletes?
p-value: p=0.001
Long-term specialized training backgrounds are associated with distinct central nervous system phenotypes, with open-skill athletes showing higher cortical-autonomic coordination under progressive fatigue.
Open-skill training may enhance cortical responses during fatigue in athletes; hypothesis-generating and requires longitudinal trials before any practice implications.
PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate cortical functional changes during progressive fatigue among athletes from different training backgrounds to elucidate distinct neural modulation patterns associated with various exercise types. METHOD: Ninety-six male participants were recruited and assigned to four groups (n = 24 per group): the open-skill training group (OTG), endurance training group (ETG), resistance training group (RTG), and control group (CG) comprising individuals without specialized training. FINDING: Maximal oxygen uptake test results showed that the OTG and ETG exhibited significantly higher values than the RTG and CG. Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis revealed that the OTG demonstrated superior autonomic regulation compared with the other three groups, whereas both ETG and RTG showed higher HRV than the CG. In the motor cortex (MC), oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) concentration was significantly higher in the OTG than in the RTG and CG and higher in the ETG compared with the CG. Total hemoglobin (HbT) in the MC was greater in the OTG than in the ETG, RTG, and CG and higher in the ETG compared with the CG. In the prefrontal cortex (PFC), HbO was higher in the OTG than in the ETG, RTG, and CG, whereas both the ETG and RTG showed higher values than the CG. Similarly, the HbT of PFC in the OTG was greater than in the ETG and CG, with ETG and RTG both higher than CG. Functional connectivity (FC) between the PFC and MC was stronger in the OTG, ETG, and RTG than in the CG. Across all groups, HbO, HbT, and FC increased with rising perceived exertion and declined at maximal fatigue. CONCLUSION: This cross-sectional study reveals that a long-term specialized training background is associated with distinct central nervous system phenotypes. Open-skill athletes showed higher cortical-autonomic coordination and cognitive-motor integration under progressive fatigue, which is consistent with differences in neurovascular characteristics and resource allocation patterns.
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Liu et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Healthy males (athletes and untrained controls) (n=96). Long-term specialized sports training (open-skill, endurance, resistance) vs. No specialized training (control group) was evaluated on Oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) concentration in the prefrontal cortex across fatigue stages (p=0.001). Long-term specialized open-skill training was associated with significantly higher prefrontal and motor cortex oxygenated hemoglobin concentrations and stronger functional connectivity during progressive fatigue compared to untrained controls.
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