A Summary Of Fatigue

Fatigue is a subjective feeling of tiredness which is distinct from weakness. Unlike weakness, fatigue can be alleviated by periods of rest. Fatigue can have physical or mental causes. Physical fatigue is the transient inability of a muscle to maintain optimal physical performance. Muscle fatigue is mainly caused by the limitations of a nerve’s ability to generate a continued signal and the reduced ability of the muscle fiber to contract. Many muscle properties change during fatigue including the action potential. A range of mechanisms have been identified that contribute to the decline of performance. The traditional explanation, accumulation of intracellular lactate and hydrogen ions causing impaired function of the contractile proteins.