Neuromuscular fatigue and central-peripheral interactions in sports performance: bridging physiology and application

作者：Xiao N, Wang M, Zhang G · 发表于：Journal of electromyography and kinesiology : official journal of the International Society of Electrophysiological Kinesiology · 年份：2026 · DOI：10.1016/j.jelekin.2026.103193 · 研究领域：Athlete performance、Central-peripheral integration、Neuromuscular fatigue、Sport medicine

Neuromuscular fatigue (NMF) is an inherent consequence of strenuous training and competition. It arises from complex interactions between the central nervous system and peripheral skeletal muscle. Despite decades of research, the interaction between central and peripheral mechanisms of neuromuscular fatigue and their influence on sports performance remains a contentious topic. In addition, translating mechanistic insights into practical strategies for monitoring, training, and recovery in athletes is an ongoing challenge. This review synthesizes contemporary literature to build a central-peripheral integrative model of NMF and proposes an applied framework for athlete monitoring and training design. The review first summarizes central and peripheral fatigue mechanisms, highlighting the bidirectional influence of descending motor drive and afferent feedback, and discusses controversies such as the central-governor theory. It then assesses monitoring tools (subjective ratings, neuromuscular tests, electromyography, heart-rate variability, biochemical and neurochemical markers) and recovery strategies. Finally, the review translates mechanistic knowledge into evidence-based training and recovery recommendations. A conceptual model illustrating the interactions between central and peripheral mechanisms and their monitoring is included. The aim is to inform sports scientists and practitioners about the physiological bases of fatigue and provide guidance for individualized athlete ...