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Methodological Considerations and Effectiveness for Ecologically Valid Mental Fatigue Inducement in Sports: A
Chao Bian1, Suzanna Russell2,3,4, Ana Mali1,5
1Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels, 1050, Belgium.
Sports Medicine - Open
|July 2, 2025
Summary
Mental fatigue (MF) can be induced in athletes using sport-specific tasks or simulated real-life scenarios. Effective methods involve cognitive demands and longer durations, while shorter or passive tasks are less successful.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Psychology
- Performance Analysis
Background:
- Mental fatigue (MF) research has evolved from lab settings to ecologically valid sports contexts.
- Methodological variability in MF inducement approaches leads to inconsistent effectiveness.
- Evaluating these methods is crucial for research and practical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review ecologically valid MF-inducing tasks in sports contexts.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of MF inducement methods.
- To assess potential after-effects on sport-specific performance.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024577183).
- Searched PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscus until August 21, 2024.
- Investigated MF inducement task design and effectiveness in sports contexts.
Main Results:
- Twelve papers were included; only 25% had low risk of bias.
- 20-minute cognitive motor tasks and 30-minute simulated scenarios (social media, videos, games) effectively induced MF.
- Ineffective inducement linked to short duration, passive tasks, or less susceptible participants.
Conclusions:
- MF inducement effectiveness varies across four task types in sporting contexts.
- Athletes and practitioners should manage pre-competition activities to minimize MF.
- Future research needs co-designed tasks, immersive scenarios, and improved measurement tools.
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