A study revealed that feelings of fatigue were activated by the
mind, not the muscles.
Researchers stated these findings could produce both positive consequences
such as treatments for conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome
and negative repercussions such as the manufacturing of forbidden
performance-enhancing drugs.
It has been believed for some time that fatigue was brought upon
by over-working the muscles, however increasing evidence is showing
that the brain is responsible for the tired feelings people experience
after working out. The theory here is that the brain intervenes
as a way to protect muscles from being damaged.
It was discovered that a molecule called interleukin-6 worked by
acting as a messenger to the brain telling it when to start winding
down. One method of treating chronic fatigue syndrome that has shown
some success was preventing IL-6 receptors in the brain with the
use of antibodies.
Researchers expressed concerns over the likelihood that unethical
athletes might try the same method for purposes of enhancing their
athletic performance.
New
Scientist July 29, 2004
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