On the Influence of Group III/IV Muscle Afferent Feedback on Endurance Exercise Performance

This review discusses evidence suggesting that group III/IV muscle afferents affect locomotor performance by influencing neuromuscular fatigue. These neurons regulate the hemodynamic and ventilatory response to exercise and, thus, assure appropriate locomotor muscle O2 delivery, which optimizes peripheral fatigue development and facilitates endurance performance. In terms of central fatigue, group III/IV muscle afferents inhibit motoneuronal output and thereby limit exercise performance.