Although it is clear that unilateral training has a contralateral effect, the mechanisms behind this effect remain unclear. Because of the specific nature of cross education, modification in neural function is the more likely mechanism underlying this effect. The potential neural mechanisms can be broadly categorized as either ''central" or ''peripheral (spinal)" adaptations. Central neural mechanisms involved in the excitation of the relevant part of the cortex during voluntary contraction of the trained limb are thought to produce contralateral facilitation. The cross-extension reflex is the primary spinal neural mechanism for cross-education.