Brain Trick Makes Exercise Feel Easier
Exercise challenges more than muscles and lungs. It also challenges the brain. Some people feel exhausted quickly, while others feel fine doing the same workout. Fitness matters, of course. However, perception of effort also plays a major role.Effort includes both physical work and how hard that work feels. Two people can burn the same energy but feel very different. As a result, perceived effort often determines whether people keep exercising or quit.
Can the Brain Be Tricked Into Feeling Less Strain?
Researchers believe perceived effort can change. If effort feels lower, exercise may feel more enjoyable. Therefore, people might stay active longer and more often.Benjamin Pageaux from Université de Montréal explored this idea with international colleagues. Their goal was simple. They wanted to see if the brain’s effort signals could be altered before exercise.
Testing Tendon Vibration Before Cycling
The team tested a wearable device that vibrates tendons. Volunteers completed cycling sessions in a laboratory. In one session, they exercised normally. In another, they received tendon vibration first.The device vibrated the Achilles and knee tendons for ten minutes. Afterward, participants cycled for three minutes. They aimed for moderate or intense effort based on how hard it felt.The results surprised researchers. After vibration, participants produced more power. Their heart rates also rose higher. However, their sense of effort stayed the same.
Vibration Changes Brain Signals
Vibration appears to change messages traveling from muscles to the brain. It may excite or dampen certain nerve signals. In addition, it can alter how muscles report effort.As a result, the brain perceives less strain. The body works harder, but the mind does not feel it.
Why This Discovery Matters
The research remains early. It only tested short cycling sessions. However, the findings show promise. Lowering perceived effort could help people stay active, especially beginners.Future studies will examine brain activity in more detail. Ultimately, researchers hope this brain trick can make exercise feel less intimidating for everyone.
Keyphrase: exercise feels easier
