Running performance is impaired by mental fatigue

Posted on December 11, 2014 by Stone Hearth News

Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2014 Dec 9. [Epub ahead of print]

Mental Fatigue Impairs Intermittent Running Performance.

Smith MR1, Marcora SM, Coutts AJ. Author information 11Sport and Exercise Discipline Group, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Australia.

2Endurance Research Group, School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Kent at Medway, United Kingdom.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To investigate the effects of mental fatigue on intermittent running performance.

METHODS:

Ten male intermittent team sports players performed two identical self-paced intermittent running protocols. The two trials were separated by seven days and preceded, in a randomised-counterbalanced order, by 90 min of either emotionally-neutral documentaries (control) or the AX-continuous performance test (AX-CPT; mental fatigue). Subjective ratings of fatigue and vigor were measured before and after these treatments, and motivation was recorded prior to the intermittent running protocol. Velocity, heart rate, oxygen consumption, blood glucose and lactate concentrations, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured throughout the 45-min intermittent running protocol. Session-RPE was recorded 30 min after the intermittent running protocol.

RESULTS:

Subjective ratings of fatigue were higher following the AX-CPT (P = 0.005). This mental fatigue significantly reduced velocity at low intensities (1.28 ± 0.18 m⋅s vs. 1.31 ± 0.17 m⋅s; P = 0.037), while high-intensity running and peak velocities were not significantly affected. Running velocity at all intensities significantly declined over time in both conditions (P < 0.001). Oxygen consumption was significantly lower in the mental fatigue condition (P = 0.007). Other physiological variables, vigor and motivation were not significantly affected. RPE during the intermittent running protocol was not significantly different between conditions despite lower overall velocity in the mental fatigue condition. Session-RPE was significantly higher in the mental fatigue condition

CONCLUSION:

Mental fatigue impairs intermittent running performance. This negative effect of mental fatigue appears to be mediated by higher perception of effort.

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