title: Brain activity and perceived exertion during cycling exercise: an fMRI study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Currently, the equipment and techniques available to assess brain function during dynamic exercise are limited, which has restricted our knowledge of how the brain regulates exercise. This study assessed the brain areas activated during cycling by making use of a novel cycle ergometer, constructed to measure functional MRI (fMRI) brain images during dynamic exercise. Furthermore, we compared brain activation at different levels of ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) generated during the exercise.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seven healthy adults performed cycling exercise in a novel MRI compatible cycle ergometer while undergoing brain  fMRI. Participants completed a cycling block protocol comprising six trials of 2 min cycling with 16-s intervals between trials. Participants reported their RPE every minute through an audio link. The MRI cycling ergometer transferred the torque generated on the ergometer through a cardan system to a cycling ergometer positioned outside the MRI room. For data analysis, the effects of cycling as opposed to rest periods were examined after motion correction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The multiparticipant analysis revealed in particular the activation of the cerebellar vermis and precentral and postcentral gyrus when periods of cycling versus rest were compared. Single participant analysis in four participants revealed that activation of the posterior cingulate gyrus and precuneus occurred in cycling blocks perceived as 'hard' compared with exercise blocks that were less demanding.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present study offers a new approach to assess brain activation during dynamic cycling exercise, and suggests that specific brain areas could be involved in the sensations generating the rating of perceived exertion.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Eduardo B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Fontes
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
authors.forename: Alexandre H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Okano
authors.affiliation: UCT/MRC Medical Imaging Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
authors.forename: François
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: De Guio
authors.affiliation: UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
authors.forename: Elske J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Schabort
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Li Li
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Min
authors.affiliation: School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland, Canada.
authors.forename: Fabien A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Basset
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
authors.forename: Dan J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Stein
authors.affiliation: UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
authors.forename: Timothy D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Noakes
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology*; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D016552:Ergometry; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D064368:Healthy Volunteers; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D010465:Perception / Q000502:physiology; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*; D012677:Sensation / Q000502:physiology
keywords: Fatigue; MRI; Neurology; Physical activity and exercise methodology; Psychology