Effects of localized and general fatigue on postural adjustments coupling during predictable external perturbations

• DOI: 10.1007/s00421-025-05760-y
• Publication Date: 2025-04-06T01:20:45Z
• Authors: Mauro Nardon; Francesco Piscitelli; Cristiano Alessandro; Enrico Tam; Matteo Bertucco
• Keywords: Proprioception; Motor Control

Abstract Purpose The central nervous system (CNS) coordinates anticipatory (APA) and compensatory postural adjustments (CPA) to face both self-induced external perturbations. Neuromuscular fatigue (NMF), whether localized or general, impairs the CNS's ability maintain stability, but differential effects of these types on coupling between APA CPA remain unclear. This study aimed investigate how general NMF influence neuromuscular control during predictable Methods Fourteen participants were exposed two exercise protocols: intermittent isometric induce prolonged upper body at high cardiometabolic effort NMF. Exercise intensity was monitored by measuring parameters recovery. Postural assessed before after (recovery period) using electromyography kinematic analyses while Results Localized led decreased muscle activation co-activation across fatigued non-fatigued muscles APA, with persistent changes in lower limb joints. In contrast, induced short-lived increases EMG activity co-activation, reflecting a strategic CNS adaptation stability. Conclusions results suggest that induces more extensive enduring impact mechanisms, likely due altered proprioceptive feedback, whereas are transient, aligning rapid recovery parameters. These findings highlight role differentially adapting strategies depending type fatigue, implications for understanding impacts stability dynamic environments. Graphical abstract