Motor cortical excitability and inhibition are differentially modulated by aerobic exercise intensity.

ABSTRACT: Acute aerobic exercise (AEX) enhances motor learning and promotes neuroplasticity. Although previous studies examined the impact of AEX on primary motor cortex (M1) excitability, the dose-response relationship across a broad intensity spectrum with consistent exercise parameters remains to be fully elucidated. This study investigated the impact of AEX intensity on distinct M1 circuits using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Thirty right-handed adults underwent four experimental sessions: 20-min rest (control), light (LIIT: 35% heart rate reserve [HRR]), moderate (MIIT; 55% HRR), and high-intensity interval training (HIIT; 80% HRR) AEX. The interval cycling sessions alternated between 3 min at the target intensity and 2 min of active recovery (25% HRR). We performed TMS measures befo

SUBMITTER: Harroum N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12365981 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature