Construction of “Stress−Adaptation” Dual-Path Synergy Theoretical Model for Exercise Preconditioning

To address the long-standing separation of physiological and psychological pathways in exercise preconditioning (EP) theory, this study analyzes the limitations of general adaptation syndrome and cognitive appraisal theory. Methods of literature synthesis and logical deduction are employed to construct a dual-path synergy theoretical model of “stress−adaptation” for EP integrating physiological and psychological pathways. The physiological mechanism of EP is systematically analyzed, revealing that the metabolic, mechanical and oxidative stress activated molecular adaptation through AMPK, ERK and Nrf2 signaling pathways, culminating in systemic adaptation. Simultaneously, this study clarifies the psychological mechanism that EP reconstructs cognitive appraisal through pre-exposure. Acute EP generates psychological buffering, and repetitive EP accumulates psychological resilience dynamically via emotional regulation, frustration tolerance and cognitive flexibility, and regulates neuroendocrine process to back-feed physiological homeostasis. Grounds in allostasis and conservation of resources theory, the model proposes a bidirectional feedback mechanism: physiological adaptation supplies material support for psychological resilience, while psychological buffering and resilience optimize physiological responses. The theoretical validation indicates the model aligns with existing empirical evidence. It addresses the limitations of traditional overcompensation theory, which neglects psychological regulation and systemic adaptation, and offers an interdisciplinary theoretical framework for personalized EP interventions.