Abstract
Post-exercise recovery has largely focused on peripheral mechanisms of fatigue,
but there is growing acceptance that fatigue is also contributed to through central
mechanisms which demands that attention should be paid to optimizing recovery of
the brain. In this narrative review we assemble evidence for the role that many currently
utilized recovery strategies may have on the brain, as well as potential mechanisms for
their action. The review provides discussion of how common nutritional strategies as well
as physical modalities and methods to reduce mental fatigue are likely to interact with
the brain, and offer an opportunity for subsequent improved performance. We aim to
highlight the fact that many recovery strategies have been designed with the periphery
in mind, and that refinement of current methods are likely to provide improvements in
minimizing brain fatigue. Whilst we offer a number of recommendations, it is evident that
there are many opportunities for improving the research, and practical guidelines in this
area.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 79 |
Pages (from-to) | 1-14 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Frontiers in Physiology |
Volume | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2015 |