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Mental Fatigue Negatively Impacts Cognitive and Physical Performance Outcomes: A Large-Scale Randomized Crossover
Jelle Habay1,2,3, Y Laurisa Arenales Arauz1, Matthias Proost1
1Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, BELGIUM.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|September 12, 2025
Summary
Prolonged cognitive load from tasks like the Stroop test impairs cognitive and physical performance. Feelings of mental and physical fatigue significantly impact performance outcomes, highlighting their crucial role.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Sports Science
- Human Performance
Background:
- Prolonged cognitive load is known to cause mental fatigue, impacting performance.
- Previous studies show inconsistent results, necessitating further investigation.
- This study aims to robustly examine cognitive load effects on performance fatigability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the detrimental effects of sustained cognitive demands on cognitive and physical performance fatigability.
- To utilize a large sample size in a controlled environment for a more robust examination.
- To explore the relationship between fatigue, motivation, and performance outcomes.
Main Methods:
- 117 participants completed a randomized counterbalanced crossover experiment.
- Intervention involved a 45-minute individualized Stroop task (cognitive load).
- Performance was assessed via GoNoGo task and a 20-minute cycling time trial.
Main Results:
- Cognitive load significantly worsened GoNoGo reaction time.
- A trend showed negative influence on time trial distance, with decreased cadence.
- Higher levels of physical fatigue, mental fatigue, and RPE were reported post-intervention.
Conclusions:
- Sustained cognitive effort impairs specific cognitive and physical performance, aligning with mental fatigue characteristics.
- The subjective feeling of fatigue plays a significant role in determining physical performance.
- Findings underscore the impact of cognitive load on overall performance and well-being.
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