Physiological mechanisms of motor system plasticity while doing sports

Corticospinal tract is an anatomical and functional formation, which includes cortical motor connections, segmental interneurons and spinal а-motor neurons that control human voluntary movements. The interaction between these structures is accompanied by functional reorganization of neural network, which is commonly called plasticity. We used a set of experimental methods to study functional properties of the neuromotor system using different kinds of sport as an example (e.g. powerlifting, sprint, middle-distance race, long-distance running, and basketball). The purpose of the paper is to identify the plasticity mechanisms of cortical, spinal and peripheral levels of the motor system, which have been formed under long-term physical activity, aimed at developing either endurance, speed and strength capabilities or strength qualities. Materials and Methods. The authors examined 12 basketball players, 10 powerlifters, track-and-field runners, who specialize in sprint (100 meters; 10 runners), middle-distance race (800 meters; 10 runners) and long-distance running (5000 meters; 8 runners)...