What is the term for a reduction in neural drive to working musculature?

The term for a reduction in neural drive to working musculature is central fatigue. This phenomenon occurs when the brain decreases its signaling to the muscles, leading to a diminished ability to generate muscular force or sustain activity. Central fatigue is often associated with prolonged exercise, high-intensity efforts, or psychological factors such as motivation and mental fatigue.

In contrast, acute fatigue relates to the immediate, transient loss of strength and endurance experienced during or shortly after exercise, without suggesting a central nervous system influence. Muscle atrophy refers to the reduction in muscle mass due to disuse or disease, which is a physical change rather than a functional decrease in neural drive. Chronic fatigue indicates a prolonged state of fatigue often associated with more systemic issues, such as illness or overtraining, rather than a direct reduction in neural drive during physical activity. Therefore, central fatigue accurately captures the specific decrease in neural activation to working muscles.