Visual and Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials and Maximal Aerobic Exercise: Does the Influence of Exercise Persist after Body Temperature Recovery?

Transversal studies have shown a strong correlation between specific evoked potential (EP) values and specific physical activities, as well as between EP values and the amount of training. Prior to longitudinal studies investigating the effect of training in EPs, it is mandatory to determine whether a recent training session could interfere with regular EP recording. Exercise-induced hyperthermia is known to modify EP values. The purpose of the study was to determine whether an acute exercise can induce EP modification persisting after body temperature recovery. We measured two sets of visual evoked potentials (VEPs) and brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) in 16 males (8 cyclists and 8 sedentary peers), one before and the other after a maximal cycloergometric graded exercise test. The second test was performed immediately after body temperature recovery. We chose to test cyclists, as their specific training corresponded to the exercise test we performed on a cycloergometer. The repeated measures before and after the exercise test showed no significant differences, neither in VEPs nor in BAEPs, for any subject of the study. Recording VEPs and BAEPs in cyclists, we observed no difference related to this particular sport training. This study showed that VEP and BAEP values were similar to those measured before a maximal exercise when body temperature returned to pre-exercise value. This original work demonstrated that VEP and BAEP recordings can be reliably performed after a recent training session, provided body temperature has returned to basal level.

Key words

Visual evoked potentials - brainstem auditory evoked potentials - physical activity - exercise - cyclists