This brain trick makes exercise feel easier

"Researchers found that vibrating tendons before exercise can make workouts feel easier, even while the body is working harder. By changing how effort signals reach the brain, people can produce more power without feeling more exhausted. Credit: Shutterstock Why does a brief jog leave some people winded while others seem to glide along with ease? Training, fitness level, and muscle strength clearly matter. But researchers are finding that the brain also has a powerful influence, especially in how hard physical effort feels."

"This raises an intriguing question. What if the feeling of effort itself could be reduced, helping people push past the sense that exercise is simply too hard? Benjamin Pageaux, a professor in the School of Kinesiology and Physical Activity Sciences at Université de Montréal, is investigating that idea alongside three researchers from Université Savoie Mont Blanc in France as part of an international research project."

"Testing vibration during cycling In a recent study, the research team examined whether vibrating specific tendons could lower the perceived effort of cycling. They used a wearable vibrating device designed to stimulate tendons before exercise. Volunteers took part in laboratory tests on a stationary bicycle. Each participant completed two conditions: one session after tendon vibration and another without any vibration be"

Vibrating specific tendons before exercise can lower the perceived effort of cycling while allowing greater power output without increased exhaustion. A wearable device delivered brief tendon stimulation before stationary-bike sessions and volunteers completed sessions with and without vibration. Perceived effort combines measurable energy use and subjective perception, and individual differences in perception influence whether people persist with exercise. Reducing the felt effort can make workouts more manageable and enjoyable, increasing the likelihood of continued activity. Altering how effort signals reach the brain enables higher performance at a lower subjective cost.

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