Neural Adaptations with Chronic Activity Patterns in Able-Bodied Humans

Duchateau J, Enoka RM: Neural adaptations with chronic activity patterns in able-bodied humans. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2002;81(Suppl):S17–S27. The purpose of this article is to review the neural adaptations that occur in able-bodied humans with alterations in chronic patterns of physical activity. The adaptations are categorized as those related to cortical maps, motor command, descending drive, muscle activation, motor units, and sensory feedback. We focused on the adaptations that occur with such activities as strength training, limb immobilization, and limb unloading. For these types of interventions, the adaptations are widely distributed throughout the nervous system, but those changes that are observed with strength training are often not the converse of those found with reduced-use protocols.