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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-02-2016 | Original Article

Stunted PFC activity during neuromuscular control under stress with obesity

Author: Ranjana K. Mehta

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 2/2016

Abstract

Objective

Obesity is an established risk factor for impaired cognition, which is primarily regulated by the prefrontal cortex (PFC). However, very little is known about the neural pathways that underlie obesity-related declines in neuromuscular control, particularly under stress. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of the PFC on neuromuscular control during handgrip exertions under stress with obesity.

Methods

Twenty non-obese and obese young adults performed submaximal handgrip exertions in the absence and presence of a concurrent stressful task. Primary dependent measures included oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO₂: a measure of PFC activity) and force fluctuations (an indicator of neuromuscular control).

Results

Higher HbO₂ levels in the PFC were observed in the non-obese compared to the obese group (P = 0.009). In addition, higher HbO₂ levels were observed in the stress compared to the control condition in the non-obese group; however, this trend was reversed in the obese group (P = 0.043). In general, force fluctuations increased by 26 % in the stress when compared to the control condition (P = 0.001) and obesity was associated with 39 % greater force fluctuation (P = 0.024). Finally, while not significant, obesity-related decrements in force fluctuations were magnified under stress (P = 0.063).

Conclusion

The current study provides the first evidence that neuromuscular decrements with obesity were associated with impaired PFC activity and this relationship was augmented in stress conditions. These findings are important because they provide new information on obesity-specific changes in brain function associated with neuromuscular control since the knowledge previously focused largely on obesity-specific changes in peripheral muscle capacity.

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Title: Stunted PFC activity during neuromuscular control under stress with obesity
Author: Ranjana K. Mehta
Publication date: 01-02-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 2/2016
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-015-3283-9

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Springer Medicine

Stunted PFC activity during neuromuscular control under stress with obesity

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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