The key difference between central and peripheral fatigue is that central fatigue is a type of muscle fatigue that is produced by changes in the central nervous system (CNS), while peripheral fatigue is a type of muscle fatigue that is produced by changes at or distal to the neuromuscular junction.
Intense use of muscles repeatedly results in a decline in the performance of muscles. This is known as muscle fatigue. This is a common phenomenon that reduces athletic performances and other prolonged strenuous activities. There are two types of muscle fatigue: central and peripheral fatigue.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Central Fatigue
3. What is Peripheral Fatigue
4. Similarities – Central and Peripheral Fatigue
5. Central vs Peripheral Fatigue in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Central vs Peripheral Fatigue
What is Central Fatigue?
Central fatigue usually originates in the central nervous system. It decreases the neural drive to muscles. Central fatigue is caused by an inhibition triggered by the nervous impulses from the receptors (chemoreceptors) in the fatigued muscles. This inhibition can affect the motor pathways anywhere from voluntary centers in the brain to spinal motor neurons. Moreover, central fatigue can occur from prolonged exercises. It is associated with neurochemical changes in the brain (primarily serotonin (5-HT), noradrenaline, and dopamine). Central fatigue plays an important role in endurance sports.
The symptoms of central fatigue may include poor sleep and appetite, mental fog, lack of energy, mood changes, joint aches and pain, headaches, an inability to perform very easy tasks, and loss of motivation. Central fatigue can be diagnosed through physical examination and blood tests. Central fatigue manifests itself through a decrease in the outflow of motor impulses from the central nervous system to the muscles. Overtraining can also contribute to central fatigue. However, with proper rest and recovery, it can be avoided or minimized.
What is Peripheral Fatigue?
Peripheral fatigue occurs by the changes at or distal to the neuromuscular junction. The neuromuscular junction is a part of the peripheral nervous system. Peripheral fatigue is caused by the depletion of some necessary substances or the accumulation of catabolites or other substances set free by muscle activity. Disturbances in homeostasis and central or psychological factors can also cause peripheral fatigue.
This condition is normally associated with intense or prolonged physical exercises and strength training. Moreover, the common symptoms of peripheral fatigue may include a feeling of tiredness or weariness because of overexertion, soreness, localized pain, shortness of breath, muscle twitching, trembling, a weak grip, and muscle cramps. Peripheral fatigue is diagnosed through medical history and evaluation of symptoms. Furthermore, peripheral fatigue is treated through staying hydrated, proper nutrition, recovery, stretching, resting, and maintaining the right attitude.
What are the Similarities Between Central and Peripheral Fatigue?
- Central and peripheral fatigue are two types of muscle fatigue.
- Both types may be characterized by symptoms such as weakness or tiredness.
- They can be diagnosed through the evaluation of physical symptoms.
- Both types can be treated through resting and proper nutrition.
What is the Difference Between Central and Peripheral Fatigue?
Central fatigue is produced by the changes in the central nervous system, while peripheral fatigue is produced by the changes at or distal to the neuromuscular junction. Thus, this is the key difference between central and peripheral fatigue. Furthermore, central fatigue is caused by an inhibition triggered by the nervous impulses from the receptors (chemoreceptors) in the fatigued muscles. On the other hand, peripheral fatigue is caused by the depletion of some necessary substances or the accumulation of catabolites or other substances set free by muscle activity disturbances in homeostasis and central or psychological factors.
The below infographic presents the differences between central and peripheral fatigue in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Central vs Peripheral Fatigue
Muscle fatigue is defined as the decline in the ability of muscles to generate a force for muscle activities. Central and peripheral fatigue are two different types of muscle fatigue. Central fatigue is a type of muscle fatigue that originates in the central nervous system. Peripheral fatigue is produced by changes at or distal to the neuromuscular junction. So, this summarizes the difference between central and peripheral fatigue.
Reference:
1. Gandevia, S. C., et al. “Central Fatigue.” SpringerLink, Springer US.
2. “Muscle Fatigue.” Physiopedia.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Tired muscular male athlete resting after weightlifting workout in modern fitness center” (CC0) via Pexels