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Neural Adaptations to Endurance Training

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Concurrent Aerobic and Strength Training

Abstract

Neural adaptations induced by strength training have been widely described although recent technical developments (e.g., transcranial magnetic stimulation) have provided new insights. Neural adaptations to endurance training are not as well-known and usually considered to be much smaller than those observed following strength training. In this chapter, we will not use the real definition of endurance, that is the ability to sustain a high percentage of maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max). Instead, we will use common usage of the word endurance, i.e., prolonged, low-intensity exercise, usually with large muscle mass such as cycling, running, and cross-country skiing. The theory behind chronic adaptations is related to acute deleterious effects and recovery (e.g., [1, 2]). In the first part of this chapter, the tools used to assess neural adaptations will be briefly described. Then, we will focus on the acute neural responses induced by a single endurance training session. Special consideration will be given to the difference between endurance running and cycling/cross-country skiing at the end of this second section. The third part of this chapter will be dedicated to chronic adaptations to the neural command induced by endurance training.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada

    Guillaume Y. Millet & John Temesi

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  1. Guillaume Y. Millet
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Correspondence to Guillaume Y. Millet .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Molecular and Cellular Sports Medicine, German Sport University, Cologne, Germany

    Moritz Schumann

  2. Department of Sports Sciences, Lillehammer, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Lillehammer, Norway

    Bent R. Rønnestad

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Millet, G.Y., Temesi, J. (2019). Neural Adaptations to Endurance Training. In: Schumann, M., Rønnestad, B. (eds) Concurrent Aerobic and Strength Training. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-75547-2_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-75547-2_4

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