Learn the neurological system in the human body and its significance in sports performance improvement
The nervous system controls and coordinates the functions of all other systems, since all of our body systems work in conjunction with each other. Stimulus or change in our surrounding and environment is detected by sensory nerves and the brain interprets the messages and sends commands to the various systems to adapt accordingly.
The function of the neurological system is to transmit and receive series of messages from the control centre in our brain. These messages are either received from various sensory nerves or from the initiating function of other systems.
The nervous system is composed of Central Nervous System and Peripheral Nervous System.
CNS consists of brain and spinal cord.
PNS consists of nerves that connect CNS to the rest of the body and external environment. PNS is further divided into somatic and autonomic nervous system.
Somatic nerves consist of nerves that serve outer area of body, skeletal muscle, and are responsible for voluntary movement.
Autonomic nerves serve involuntary systems of body like heart, digestive system, etc. Autonomic is further divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.
Sympathetic – preparation for activity
- Stimulated by strong emotions such as anger, excitement, etc.
- Increase in heart rate, activity of sweat glands, adrenal glands.
- Decrease in digestive system.
- Rapid redistribution of blood between skeletal and skin musculature.
Parasympathetic – rest / recovery
- Prepare for relaxed state.
- Ready for digestion and sleep.
- Slows down heart rate, constrict bronchioles of lungs, increase peristalsis in alimentary canal.
- Balance between these two systems is controlled to create homeostatis i.e. internal environment of the body matches external environment.
- Mechanoreceptors – respond to mechanical pressure within tissue
SIGNIFICANCE IN SPORTS:
A good neurological system means good hand eye coordination, good timing, faster reflex actions, quick reaction time, chances of setting and breaking records.
Neurological systems can be trained by repetitive movements and exercise hence new, extended and advanced type movements can be done.
While injured and undergoing rehab, training of the non-injured side can help in faster recovery as the voluntary nerve in muscle often work in pairs.