Gross and fine neuromuscular performance at cold shivering

Abstract

Cold exposure may decrease the efficiency of voluntary motor activity due to a decrease of muscular temperature, and to involvement of the motor system in thermoregulator y motor behaviour and shivering thermogenesis.Traditionally, shivering thermogenesis is believed to comprise two patterns — 1) thermoregulatory muscle tone (or preshivering tone) and 2) cold shivering itself (Bur ton, Bronk, 1937). Since it was observed in animal experiments, this classification has been proved to be practical in human measurements. Shivering thermogenesis is aimed to prevent hypothermia by increasing heat production. Shivering and voluntary movements compete for common neural circuits (Kleinebeckel, Klussmann, 1990), and this may affect fine and gross performance. Mechanical tremor and elevated muscle tone during shivering may also influence accuracy of movements.This review focuses on the mechanisms of interaction between shivering thermogenesis and exercise and on the mechanisms which may compensate for this interaction.