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Science Of Ultra

Neuromuscular Control And Fatigue With Roger Enoka PhD

Oct 13, 2017
Dr. Roger Enoka discusses neuromuscular control, fatigue, and muscle cramps in runners. He explains the importance of downhill running, sex differences in aging athletes, and antidotes for muscle cramping. The podcast explores motor units, eccentric vs concentric contractions, and the impact of caffeine on endurance events.
45:46

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Neurosystem adjusts motor unit activity based on force requirement, starting with weaker units first.
  • New fatigue paradigm views fatigue as a symptom, involving nuanced performance and perception-related mechanisms.

Deep dives

Understanding Motor Neurons and Motor Units

When controlling force production, the Neurosystem adjusts motor unit activity by recruiting or increasing rates of activation. Motor units, consisting of motor neurons and muscle fibers, are pivotal in managing muscle force. The size principle governs this activation sequence, beginning with weaker, slower units and progressing to stronger, faster ones.

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