Cerebral responses to resistance training under different loads assessed with functional near-infrared spectroscopy

Resistance training (RT) is known to enhance skeletal muscle mass and strength through neural adaptations, highlighting its role in controlling muscle activity during physical tasks. We employed functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) to investigate cerebral responses to RT under high and low loads (HL and LL, respectively) in 21 healthy participants who performed unilateral dumbbell arm curls to failure with both arms. Our results show greater activation of the prefrontal cortex during HL compared to LL, reflecting higher strategic planning and execution in this condition. When the task was performed with the non-dominant side, we observed higher activation in the motor cortex, suggesting a greater demand for motor control. Overall, these results have implications for rehabilitation and training programs, which can be designed to optimize both muscular and cognitive functions.