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Medicine and Science in Sports and... Feb 2016To investigate the effects of mental fatigue on soccer-specific physical and technical performance. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
PURPOSE
To investigate the effects of mental fatigue on soccer-specific physical and technical performance.
METHODS
This investigation consisted of two separate studies. Study 1 assessed the soccer-specific physical performance of 12 moderately trained soccer players using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1). Study 2 assessed the soccer-specific technical performance of 14 experienced soccer players using the Loughborough Soccer Passing and Shooting Tests (LSPT, LSST). Each test was performed on two occasions and preceded, in a randomized, counterbalanced order, by 30 min of the Stroop task (mentally fatiguing treatment) or 30 min of reading magazines (control treatment). Subjective ratings of mental fatigue were measured before and after treatment, and mental effort and motivation were measured after treatment. Distance run, heart rate, and ratings of perceived exertion were recorded during the Yo-Yo IR1. LSPT performance time was calculated as original time plus penalty time. LSST performance was assessed using shot speed, shot accuracy, and shot sequence time.
RESULTS
Subjective ratings of mental fatigue and effort were higher after the Stroop task in both studies (P < 0.001), whereas motivation was similar between conditions. This mental fatigue significantly reduced running distance in the Yo-Yo IR1 (P < 0.001). No difference in heart rate existed between conditions, whereas ratings of perceived exertion were significantly higher at iso-time in the mental fatigue condition (P < 0.01). LSPT original time and performance time were not different between conditions; however, penalty time significantly increased in the mental fatigue condition (P = 0.015). Mental fatigue also impaired shot speed (P = 0.024) and accuracy (P < 0.01), whereas shot sequence time was similar between conditions.
CONCLUSIONS
Mental fatigue impairs soccer-specific running, passing, and shooting performance.
Topics: Athletic Performance; Cross-Over Studies; Exercise Test; Heart Rate; Humans; Male; Mental Fatigue; Motivation; Motor Skills; Perception; Physical Exertion; Running; Soccer; Young Adult
PubMed: 26312616
DOI: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000000762 -
Annual International Conference of the... Jul 2018Mental fatigue induced by long time mental work can cause deterioration in task performance and increase the risk of accidents. Recently, electroencephalogram...
Mental fatigue induced by long time mental work can cause deterioration in task performance and increase the risk of accidents. Recently, electroencephalogram (EEG)-based monitoring of mental fatigue has received increasing attention in the field of brain-computer interfaces (BCI). This study aims to employ EEG signals to measure the mental fatigue level by estimating reaction time (RT) in a psychomotor vigilance task (PVT). In a 36-hour sleep deprivation experiment, EEG data from 18 subjects were recorded every four hours in nine blocks, each consisting of three tasks: a 6-minute PVT task and two 3-minute resting states (eyes closed and eyes open). The mean RT in the PVT task showed a generally increasing trend during the 36-hour awake period, reflecting the increase of fatigue over time. For each task, multiple EEG features were extracted and selected to better estimate RT using a multiple linear regression (MLR) method. The correlation between predicted RT and actual RT was evaluated using a leave-one-subject-out (LOSO) validation strategy. After parameter optimization, EEG data from the PVT task obtained a mean correlation coefficient of $0.81 \pm 0.16$ across all subjects. Resting-state EEG data showed lower correlations (eyes-closed: $0.65 \pm 0.20$, eyes-open: $0.50 \pm 0.30)$ partially due to the involvement of shorter data lengths. These results demonstrate the feasibility and robustness of the EEG-based fatigue monitoring method, which could be potential for applications in operational environments.
Topics: Electroencephalography; Humans; Mental Fatigue; Psychomotor Performance; Reaction Time; Wakefulness
PubMed: 30440787
DOI: 10.1109/EMBC.2018.8512666 -
Human Movement Science Apr 2018This study examined the effects of induced mental and muscular fatigue on soccer players' physical activity profile and collective behavior during small-sided games...
This study examined the effects of induced mental and muscular fatigue on soccer players' physical activity profile and collective behavior during small-sided games (SSG). Ten youth soccer players performed a 5vs5 SSG under three conditions: a) control, playing without any previous activity; b) muscular fatigue, playing after performing a repeated change-of-direction task; c) mental fatigue, playing after completing a 30 min Stroop color-word task. Players' positional data was used to compute time-motion and tactical-related variables. The muscular fatigue condition resulted in lower distances covered in high speeds (∼27%, 0.3; ±0.5) than the control condition. From the tactical perspective, the muscular fatigue condition resulted in lower distance between dyads and players spent ∼7% more time synchronized in longitudinal displacements than the control condition (0.3; ±0.3). Additionally, players spent ∼14% more time synchronized with muscular fatigue than with mental fatigue (0.7; ±0.3). The mental fatigue condition resulted in a very likely more predictable pattern in the distance between dyads than in muscular fatigue condition (0.4; ±0.2). Also, the mental fatigue possibly decreased the teams' stretch index when compared with control (0.2; ±0.3) and likely increased compared with muscular fatigue (0.5; ±0.5). The better levels of longitudinal synchronization after muscular fatigue, might suggest the usage of tactical-related tasks after intense exercise bouts. The lower physical performance and time spent longitudinally synchronized after mental fatigue, should alert to consider this variable before matches or training activities that aim to improve collective behavior.
Topics: Adolescent; Athletes; Athletic Performance; Humans; Male; Mental Fatigue; Muscle Fatigue; Soccer; Stroop Test
PubMed: 29549745
DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2018.03.004 -
Psychophysiology Dec 2022Although mentally fatiguing cognitive tasks can impair subsequent physical endurance, the importance of cognitive task duration and the role of response inhibition... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Although mentally fatiguing cognitive tasks can impair subsequent physical endurance, the importance of cognitive task duration and the role of response inhibition remain unclear. This study compared the effects of a serial incongruent Stroop color-classification task (i.e., with response inhibition) and N-back memory updating task (i.e., without response inhibition) on mental fatigue and subsequent rhythmic handgrip exercise. Participants (N = 90) were randomly assigned to one of three cognitive task groups (Stroop, 2-back, control) and completed four 10-min blocks of one cognitive task followed by a 5-min physical endurance task (self-paced rhythmic handgrip exercise). Heart rate, heart rate variability, electromyographic forearm activity, and force were recorded throughout along with self-reported measures of fatigue, exertion, and motivation. From the start, the Stroop and 2-back tasks elicited higher heart rate and lower heart rate variability as well as greater fatigue, effort, and interest/enjoyment than the control task. From the second block onwards, the Stroop and 2-back groups produced less force than the control group. There were no group differences in forearm muscle activity. In sum, mental fatigue was induced after performing a cognitive task for 10 mins, whereas muscular endurance was impaired after performing a cognitive task for 20 mins. That these effects were observed for both types of cognitive task indicates that response inhibition is not a necessary condition. The cognitive task duration required to induce mental fatigue and impair rhythmic handgrip endurance performance lay between the durations reported previously for isometric (a few minutes) and whole-body (half an hour) endurance exercise.
Topics: Humans; Physical Endurance; Hand Strength; Mental Fatigue; Stroop Test; Cognition; Physical Exertion
PubMed: 35726493
DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14126 -
Experimental Brain Research Jul 2023The ability to control balance and prevent falls while carrying out daily life activities may require a predominantly controlled (cognitive) or automatic processing... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
The ability to control balance and prevent falls while carrying out daily life activities may require a predominantly controlled (cognitive) or automatic processing depending on the balance challenge, age, or other factors. Consequently, this process may be affected by mental fatigue which has been shown to impair cognitive abilities. Controlling static balance in young adults is a relatively easy task that may proceed automatically with minimal cognitive input making it insusceptible to mental fatigue. To investigate this hypothesis, static single and dual task (while concurrently counting backward by seven) balance was assessed in 60 young adults (25.2 ± 2.4 years) before and after 45 min of Stroop task (mental fatigue condition) and watching documentary (control), presented in a randomized counterbalanced order on separate days. Moreover, because mental fatigue can occur due to task underload or overload, participants carried out two different Stroop tasks (i.e., all congruent, and mainly incongruent trials) on separate days in the mental fatigue condition. Results of the study revealed a significantly higher feeling of mental fatigue after the mental fatigue conditions compared to control (p < 0.001). Similarly, the performance on congruent Stroop trials decreases with time indicating objective mental fatigue (p < 0.01). However, there was no difference in balance or concurrent task performance under both single and dual task assessments between the three conditions (p > 0.05) indicating lack of effect of mental fatigue on static balance in this population. Therefore, future studies investigating this phenomenon in occupational or sport settings in similar population should consider using more challenging balance tasks.
Topics: Humans; Young Adult; Cognition; Mental Fatigue; Postural Balance; Stroop Test; Task Performance and Analysis; Walking
PubMed: 37219602
DOI: 10.1007/s00221-023-06643-4 -
International Journal of Environmental... Nov 2022Studies suggest that persistent symptoms after COVID-19 (long COVID) influence functioning and activities of daily living (ADL). However, it is still uncertain how and...
Studies suggest that persistent symptoms after COVID-19 (long COVID) influence functioning and activities of daily living (ADL). However, it is still uncertain how and to what extent. This study aimed to describe patient-reported mental fatigue, ADL problems, ADL ability, sick leave and functional status among patients with long COVID. In this cross-sectional study, 448 patients, ≥18 years old and referred to occupational therapy at a Danish Post-COVID-19 Clinic, were included. Mental fatigue was measured by the Mental Fatigue Scale, ADL problems and ability were measured by the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, sick leave was self-reported and functional status was evaluated by the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale. Mean age was 46.8 years, 73% of the patients were female, and 75% suffered from moderate to severe mental fatigue. The majority reported difficulties performing productive and leisure activities. The median performance and satisfaction scores were 4.8 and 3, respectively. In total, 56% of the patients were on sick leave, and 94% were referred to rehabilitation. A decrease in functional status was found between pre-COVID-19 and assessment. Conclusively, the patients were highly affected in their everyday life and had distinct rehabilitation needs. Future research is needed to address causalities and rehabilitation for this patient group.
Topics: Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Adolescent; Male; Sick Leave; Activities of Daily Living; Cross-Sectional Studies; COVID-19; Functional Status; Canada; Mental Fatigue; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
PubMed: 36429458
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192214739 -
Work (Reading, Mass.) 2022Call center workers are highly susceptible to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) as well as mental stress. Nonetheless, there has been a surprising paucity... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial
BACKGROUND
Call center workers are highly susceptible to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) as well as mental stress. Nonetheless, there has been a surprising paucity in the body of the research regarding interventions among call center workers.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of a multicomponent ergonomic intervention program on mental workload, mental fatigue and WRMSDs of call center employees.
METHOD
A non-randomized interventional study with a single group pretest-posttest design was conducted among 84 call center workers of a private telecommunication company in the city of Tehran, Iran. At the baseline, data regarding WRMSDs prevalence, mental workload and mental fatigue were collected by means of standard Nordic, NASA-TLX and SOFI questionnaires, respectively. Then, subjects participated in a multifaceted intervention program including comprehensive office ergonomic training, work layout improvement, supervised on-site face to face visits, and provision of quality break time encompassing regular exercise program. Follow-up assessment was carried out after 6 months.
RESULTS
After the intervention, prevalence of WMSDs in the neck (10%, P = 0.022), lower back (8.4%, P = 0.04), and knees (9.5%, P = 0.02) decreased significantly, while improvements in other body areas remained insignificant. Results also showed a significant decrease in overall score of mental demand (P = 0.000) as well as three of its subscales including performance (P = 0.02), effort (P = 0.001), and frustration (P = 0.025). Additionally, positive effect of the intervention was also observable on overall mental fatigue of call center workers (P = 0.016). As for its subscales, Lack of energy was reported to decrease meaningfully (P = 0.007) while lack of motivation did not change significantly (P = 0.240).
CONCLUSION
Although the primary focus of many ergonomic interventions has remained to measure physical outcomes of the work place, our findings show that multicomponent interventions are indeed capable of boosting cognitive aspects of the work as well. The future studies should consider investigating such outcomes.
Topics: Call Centers; Ergonomics; Humans; Iran; Mental Fatigue; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Occupational Diseases
PubMed: 35527616
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213641 -
ACS Sensors May 2020Mental fatigue, characterized by subjective feelings of "tiredness" and "lack of energy", can degrade individual performance in a variety of situations, for example, in...
Mental fatigue, characterized by subjective feelings of "tiredness" and "lack of energy", can degrade individual performance in a variety of situations, for example, in motor vehicle driving or while performing surgery. Thus, a method for nonintrusive monitoring of mental fatigue status is urgently needed. Recent research shows that physiological signal-based fatigue-classification methods using wearable electronics can be sufficiently accurate; by contrast, rigid, bulky devices constrain the behavior of those wearing them, potentially interfering with test signals. Recently, wearable electronics, such as epidermal electronics systems (EES) and electronic tattoos (E-tattoos), have been developed to meet the requirements for the comfortable measurement of various physiological signals. However, comfortable, effective, and nonintrusive monitoring of mental fatigue levels remains to be fulfilled. In this work, an EES is established to simultaneously detect multiple physiological signals in a comfortable and nonintrusive way. Machine-learning algorithms are employed to determine the mental fatigue levels and a predictive accuracy of up to 89% is achieved based on six different kinds of physiological features using decision tree algorithms. Furthermore, EES with the trained predictive model are applied to monitor in situ human mental fatigue levels when doing several routine research jobs, as well as the effect of relaxation methods in relieving fatigue.
Topics: Algorithms; Electronics; Humans; Machine Learning; Mental Fatigue; Monitoring, Physiologic
PubMed: 31939287
DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.9b02451 -
International Journal of... Jun 2023Employees in Europe work on average 7.2 h per day. Prolonged periods of uninterrupted cognitive activity during the working day can cause changes in motivation, mental...
Regular short-duration breaks do not prevent mental fatigue and decline in cognitive efficiency in healthy young men during an office-like simulated mental working day: An EEG study.
Employees in Europe work on average 7.2 h per day. Prolonged periods of uninterrupted cognitive activity during the working day can cause changes in motivation, mental fatigue, and deterioration in cognitive function. In this exploratory study, we aimed to determine the effectiveness of taking 10-min breaks for light exercise every 50 min in preventing these negative effects during a simulated 7-h office-like computer work. Eighteen healthy young adult men (aged 26 ± 3 years) who did not work in an office participated. The effects of 7 h of office-like work with 10-min breaks every 50 min on central nervous system activity, cognitive function, mood, and motivation were investigated and compared with those measured on a control day without work. Our study found that engaging in 7 h of mental work similar to that found in an office environment, with 10-min breaks every 50 min, can negatively impact cognitive efficiency, suppress brain neural network activity, and cause mental fatigue. These effects do not fully recover after a 4.5-h rest. Additionally, taking short breaks during the workday does not prevent mental exhaustion or impairments in cognitive function. These findings should be considered when discussing strategies to prevent mental exhaustion caused by mental work.
Topics: Male; Young Adult; Humans; Cognition; Exercise; Electroencephalography; Mental Fatigue
PubMed: 36948417
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2023.03.007 -
Biologia Futura Mar 2024Neuroimaging studies investigating the association between mental fatigue (henceforth fatigue) and brain physiology have identified many brain regions that may underly...
Neuroimaging studies investigating the association between mental fatigue (henceforth fatigue) and brain physiology have identified many brain regions that may underly the cognitive changes induced by fatigue. These studies focused on the functional changes and functional connectivity of the brain relating to fatigue. The structural correlates of fatigue, however, have received little attention. To fill this gap, this study explored the associations of fatigue with cortical thickness of frontal and parietal regions. In addition, we aimed to explore the associations between reward-induced improvement in performance and neuroanatomical markers in fatigued individuals. Thirty-nine healthy volunteers performed the psychomotor vigilance task for 15 min (i.e., 3 time-on-task blocks of 5 min) out of scanner; followed by an additional rewarded block of the task lasting 5 min. Baseline high-resolution T1-weigthed MR images were obtained. Reaction time increased with time-on-task but got faster again in the rewarded block. Participants' subjective fatigue increased during task performance. In addition, we found that higher increase in subjective mental fatigue was associated with the cortical thickness of the following areas: bilateral precuneus, right precentral gyrus; right pars triangularis and left superior frontal gyrus. Our results suggest that individual differences in subjective mental fatigue may be explained by differences in the degree of cortical thickness of areas that are associated with motor processes, executive functions, intrinsic alertness and are parts of the default mode network.
Topics: Humans; Mental Fatigue; Male; Female; Reward; Adult; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Young Adult; Brain; Psychomotor Performance
PubMed: 37889452
DOI: 10.1007/s42977-023-00187-y