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Schampheleer E, Roelands B. Mental Fatigue in Sport-From Impaired Performance to Increased Injury Risk. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2024:1-9. [PMID: 39122241 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2023-0527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
The literature describing the effects of mental fatigue (MF) has grown tremendously. This is accompanied by identification of a host of performance-determining parameters affected by MF. MF results from prolonged cognitive effort and predominantly affects physical, technical, tactical, and perceptual-cognitive dimensions of sport, while physiological parameters (eg, heart rate, lactate) and physical aspects of maximal and supramaximal efforts are predominantly unaffected. The aim of this paper was to provide an overview of the parameters described in the literature as influenced by MF. By identifying the different parameters, we not only see how they affect the performance of athletes but also raise concerns about the potentially increased injury risk due to MF. Preliminary evidence suggests that subsequent disturbances in balance, motor skills, and decision-making processes could potentially increase the vulnerability to injury. An abundance of lab-based studies looked into the effects of MF on performance; however, many questions remain about the mechanisms of origin and neurophysiological causes of MF, and only small steps have been taken to translate this knowledge into practice. Thus, there is a need for more research into the underlying mechanisms of MF and the role of the brain, as well as more applied research with a high ecological validity that also takes into account the potential increased risk of injury due to MF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Schampheleer
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bart Roelands
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- BruBotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Hassan EK, Jones AM, Buckingham G. A novel protocol to induce mental fatigue. Behav Res Methods 2024; 56:3995-4008. [PMID: 37537491 PMCID: PMC11133042 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-023-02191-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Mental fatigue is a commonplace human experience which is the focus of a growing body of research. Whilst researchers in numerous disciplines have attempted to uncover the origins, nature, and effects of mental fatigue, the literature is marked by many contradictory findings. We identified two major methodological problems for mental fatigue research. First, researchers rarely use objective measures of mental fatigue. Instead, they rely heavily on subjective reports as evidence that mental fatigue has been induced in participants. We aimed to develop a task which led to not only a subjective increase in mental fatigue, but a corresponding performance decrement in the mentally fatiguing task as an objective measure. Secondly, current mental fatigue paradigms have low ecological validity - in most prior studies participants have been fatigued with a single repetitive task such as the n-back or Stroop. To move towards a more ecologically valid paradigm, our participants undertook a battery of diverse cognitive tasks designed to challenge different aspects of executive function. The AX-CPT, n-back, mental rotation, and visual search tasks were chosen to challenge response inhibition, working memory, spatial reasoning, and attention. We report results from 45 participants aged 19 to 63 years who completed a two-hour battery comprising four different cognitive tasks. Subjective fatigue ratings and task performance were measured at the beginning and end of the battery. Our novel method resulted in an increase in subjective ratings of fatigue (p < 0.001) and a reduction in task performance (p = 0.008). Future research into mental fatigue may benefit from using this task battery.
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Affiliation(s)
- E K Hassan
- Public Health and Sport Sciences, University of Exeter, St Luke's Campus, Heavitree Road, Exeter, EX1 2LT, UK.
| | - A M Jones
- Public Health and Sport Sciences, University of Exeter, St Luke's Campus, Heavitree Road, Exeter, EX1 2LT, UK
| | - G Buckingham
- Public Health and Sport Sciences, University of Exeter, St Luke's Campus, Heavitree Road, Exeter, EX1 2LT, UK
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Holgado D, Mesquida C, Román-Caballero R. Assessing the Evidential Value of Mental Fatigue and Exercise Research. Sports Med 2023; 53:2293-2307. [PMID: 37682411 PMCID: PMC10687172 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-023-01926-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
It has often been reported that mental exertion, presumably leading to mental fatigue, can negatively affect exercise performance; however, recent findings have questioned the strength of the effect. To further complicate this issue, an overlooked problem might be the presence of publication bias in studies using underpowered designs, which is known to inflate false positive report probability and effect size estimates. Altogether, the presence of bias is likely to reduce the evidential value of the published literature on this topic, although it is unknown to what extent. The purpose of the current work was to assess the evidential value of studies published to date on the effect of mental exertion on exercise performance by assessing the presence of publication bias and the observed statistical power achieved by these studies. A traditional meta-analysis revealed a Cohen's dz effect size of - 0.54, 95% CI [- 0.68, - 0.40], p < .001. However, when we applied methods for estimating and correcting for publication bias (based on funnel plot asymmetry and observed p-values), we found that the bias-corrected effect size became negligible with most of publication-bias methods and decreased to - 0.36 in the more optimistic of all the scenarios. A robust Bayesian meta-analysis found strong evidence in favor of publication bias, BFpb > 1000, and inconclusive evidence in favor of the effect, adjusted dz = 0.01, 95% CrI [- 0.46, 0.37], BF10 = 0.90. Furthermore, the median observed statistical power assuming the unadjusted meta-analytic effect size (i.e., - 0.54) as the true effect size was 39% (min = 19%, max = 96%), indicating that, on average, these studies only had a 39% chance of observing a significant result if the true effect was Cohen's dz = - 0.54. If the more optimistic adjusted effect size (- 0.36) was assumed as the true effect, the median statistical power was just 20%. We conclude that the current literature is a useful case study for illustrating the dangers of conducting underpowered studies to detect the effect size of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darías Holgado
- Department of Experimental Psychology, and Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
- Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Quartier UNIL-Centre, Bâtiment Synathlon, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Cristian Mesquida
- Centre of Applied Science for Health, Technological University Dublin, Tallaght, Ireland
| | - Rafael Román-Caballero
- Department of Experimental Psychology, and Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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HOLGADO DARÍAS, JOLIDON LÉO, BORRAGÁN GUILLERMO, SANABRIA DANIEL, PLACE NICOLAS. Individualized Mental Fatigue Does Not Impact Neuromuscular Function and Exercise Performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2023; 55:1823-1834. [PMID: 37227196 PMCID: PMC10487395 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000003221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent studies have questioned previous empirical evidence that mental fatigue negatively impacts physical performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the critical role of individual differences in mental fatigue susceptibility by analyzing the neurophysiological and physical responses to an individualized mental fatigue task. METHODS In a preregistered ( https://osf.io/xc8nr/ ), randomized, within-participant design experiment, 22 recreational athletes completed a time to failure test at 80% of their peak power output under mental fatigue (individual mental effort) or control (low mental effort). Before and after the cognitive tasks, subjective feeling of mental fatigue, neuromuscular function of the knee extensors, and corticospinal excitability were measured. Sequential Bayesian analysis until it reached strong evidence in favor of the alternative hypothesis (BF 10 > 6) or the null hypothesis (BF 10 < 1/6) were conducted. RESULTS The individualized mental effort task resulted in a higher subjective feeling of mental fatigue in the mental fatigue condition (0.50 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.39-0.62)) arbitrary units compared with control (0.19 (95% CI, 0.06-0.339)) arbitrary unit. However, exercise performance was similar in both conditions (control: 410 (95% CI, 357-463) s vs mental fatigue: 422 (95% CI, 367-477) s, BF 10 = 0.15). Likewise, mental fatigue did not impair knee extensor maximal force-generating capacity (BF 10 = 0.928) and did not change the extent of fatigability or its origin after the cycling exercise. CONCLUSIONS There is no evidence that mental fatigue adversely affects neuromuscular function or physical exercise; even if mental fatigue is individualized, computerized tasks seem not to affect physical performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- DARÍAS HOLGADO
- Mind, Brain & Behavior Research Center, University of Granada, SPAIN
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Granada, SPAIN
- Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Quartier UNIL-Centre, Bâtiment Synathlon, Lausanne, SWITZERLAND
| | - LÉO JOLIDON
- Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Quartier UNIL-Centre, Bâtiment Synathlon, Lausanne, SWITZERLAND
| | - GUILLERMO BORRAGÁN
- UR2NF, Neuropsychology and Functional Neuroimaging Research Unit at CRCN, Centre de Recherches en Cognition et Neurosciences and UNI—ULB Neurosciences Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Belgium, Brussels, BELGIUM
| | - DANIEL SANABRIA
- Mind, Brain & Behavior Research Center, University of Granada, SPAIN
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Granada, SPAIN
| | - NICOLAS PLACE
- Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Quartier UNIL-Centre, Bâtiment Synathlon, Lausanne, SWITZERLAND
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Alix-Fages C, Jiménez-Martínez P, de Oliveira DS, Möck S, Balsalobre-Fernández C, Del Vecchio A. Mental fatigue impairs physical performance but not the neural drive to the muscle: a preliminary analysis. Eur J Appl Physiol 2023; 123:1671-1684. [PMID: 36988671 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-023-05189-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Mental fatigue (MF) does not only affect cognitive but also physical performance. This study aimed to explore the effects of MF on muscle endurance, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and motor units' activity. Ten healthy males participated in a randomised crossover study. The subjects attended two identical experimental sessions separated by 3 days with the only difference of a cognitive task (incongruent Stroop task [ST]) and a control condition (watching a documentary). Perceived MF and motivation were measured for each session at baseline and after each cognitive task. Four contractions at 20% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVIC) were performed at baseline, after each cognitive and after muscle endurance task while measuring motor units by high-density surface electromyography. Muscle endurance until failure at 50% of MVIC was measured after each cognitive task and the RPE was measured right after failure. ST significantly increased MF (p = 0.001) reduced the motivation (p = 0.008) for the subsequent physical task and also impaired physical performance (p = 0.044). However, estimates of common synaptic inputs and motor unit discharge rates as well as RPE were not affected by MF (p > 0.11). In conclusion, MF impairs muscle endurance and motivation for the physical task but not the neural drive to the muscle at any frequency bands. Although it is physiologically possible for mentally fatigued subjects to generate an optimal neuromuscular function, the altered motivation seems to limit physical performance. Preliminarily, our results suggest that the corticospinal pathways are not affected by MF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Alix-Fages
- Applied Biomechanics and Sport Technology Research Group, Autonomous University of Madrid, C/ Fco Tomas Y Valiente 3, Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain.
- ICEN Institute, Madrid, Spain.
- Research Group in Prevention and Health in Exercise and Sport (PHES), University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Pablo Jiménez-Martínez
- ICEN Institute, Madrid, Spain
- Research Group in Prevention and Health in Exercise and Sport (PHES), University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Daniela Souza de Oliveira
- Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Henkestraße 91, 91052, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Möck
- Department of Exercise Science, Olympic Training and Testing Center of Hessen, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | - Carlos Balsalobre-Fernández
- Applied Biomechanics and Sport Technology Research Group, Autonomous University of Madrid, C/ Fco Tomas Y Valiente 3, Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alessandro Del Vecchio
- Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Henkestraße 91, 91052, Erlangen, Germany.
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Govaerts R, De Bock S, Stas L, El Makrini I, Habay J, Van Cutsem J, Roelands B, Vanderborght B, Meeusen R, De Pauw K. Work performance in industry: The impact of mental fatigue and a passive back exoskeleton on work efficiency. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2023; 110:104026. [PMID: 37060653 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Mental fatigue (MF) is likely to occur in the industrial working population. However, the link between MF and industrial work performance has not been investigated, nor how this interacts with a passive lower back exoskeleton used during industrial work. Therefore, to elucidate its potential effect(s), this study investigated the accuracy of work performance and movement duration through a dual task paradigm and compared results between mentally fatigued volunteers and controls, with and without the exoskeleton. No main effects of MF and the exoskeleton were found. However, when mentally fatigued and wearing the exoskeleton, movement duration significantly increased compared to the baseline condition (βMF:Exo = 0.17, p = .02, ω2 = .03), suggesting an important interaction between the exoskeleton and one's psychobiological state. Importantly, presented data indicate a negative effect on production efficiency through increased performance time. Further research into the cognitive aspects of industrial work performance and human-exoskeleton interaction is therefore warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renée Govaerts
- BruBotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium; Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Sander De Bock
- BruBotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium; Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Lara Stas
- Biostatistics and Medical Informatics Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium; Support for Quantitative and Qualitative Research, Core Facility of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Ilias El Makrini
- BruBotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium; Robotics and Multibody Mechanics Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Jelle Habay
- BruBotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium; Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Jeroen Van Cutsem
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium; Vital Signs and Performance Monitoring Research Unit, LIFE Department, Royal Military Academy, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Belgium.
| | - Bart Roelands
- BruBotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium; Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Bram Vanderborght
- BruBotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium; Robotics and Multibody Mechanics Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and IMEC, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Belgium.
| | - Romain Meeusen
- BruBotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium; Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Kevin De Pauw
- BruBotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium; Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium.
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7
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Habay J, Uylenbroeck R, Van Droogenbroeck R, De Wachter J, Proost M, Tassignon B, De Pauw K, Meeusen R, Pattyn N, Van Cutsem J, Roelands B. Interindividual Variability in Mental Fatigue-Related Impairments in Endurance Performance: A Systematic Review and Multiple Meta-regression. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2023; 9:14. [PMID: 36808018 PMCID: PMC9941412 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-023-00559-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The negative effect of mental fatigue (MF) on physical performance has recently been questioned. One reason behind this could lie in the interindividual differences in MF-susceptibility and the individual features influencing them. However, the range of individual differences in mental fatigue-susceptibility is not known, and there is no clear consensus on which individual features could be responsible for these differences. OBJECTIVE To give an overview of interindividual differences in the effects of MF on whole-body endurance performance, and individual features influencing this effect. METHODS The review was registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42022293242). PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus and PsycINFO were searched until the 16th of June 2022 for studies detailing the effect of MF on dynamic maximal whole-body endurance performance. Studies needed to include healthy participants, describe at least one individual feature in participant characteristics, and apply at least one manipulation check. The Cochrane crossover risk of bias tool was used to assess risk of bias. The meta-analysis and regression were conducted in R. RESULTS Twenty-eight studies were included, with 23 added to the meta-analysis. Overall risk of bias of the included studies was high, with only three presenting an unclear or low rating. The meta-analysis shows the effect of MF on endurance performance was on average slightly negative (g = - 0.32, [95% CI - 0.46; - 0.18], p < 0.001). The multiple meta-regression showed no significant influences of the included features (i.e. age, sex, body mass index and physical fitness level) on MF-susceptibility. CONCLUSIONS The present review confirmed the negative impact of MF on endurance performance. However, no individual features influencing MF-susceptibility were identified. This can partially be explained by the multiple methodological limitations such as underreporting of participant characteristics, lack of standardization across studies, and the restricted inclusion of potentially relevant variables. Future research should include a rigorous description of multiple different individual features (e.g., performance level, diet, etc.) to further elucidate MF mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelle Habay
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium ,grid.16499.330000 0004 0645 1099Vital Signs and Performance Monitoring Research Unit, LIFE Department, Royal Military Academy, Brussels, Belgium ,grid.434261.60000 0000 8597 7208Research Foundation Flanders (FWO), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robin Uylenbroeck
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ruben Van Droogenbroeck
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jonas De Wachter
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Matthias Proost
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bruno Tassignon
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium ,grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069BruBotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kevin De Pauw
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium ,grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069BruBotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Romain Meeusen
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium ,grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069BruBotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Pattyn
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium ,grid.16499.330000 0004 0645 1099Vital Signs and Performance Monitoring Research Unit, LIFE Department, Royal Military Academy, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Van Cutsem
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium ,grid.16499.330000 0004 0645 1099Vital Signs and Performance Monitoring Research Unit, LIFE Department, Royal Military Academy, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bart Roelands
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium. .,BruBotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
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Białaszek W, Marcowski P, Mizak S. Everything Comes at a Price: Considerations in Modeling Effort-Based Choice. Behav Processes 2022; 200:104692. [PMID: 35753582 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2022.104692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
When observing human behavior, one of the key factors determining choice is effort. It is often assumed that people prefer an easier course of action when the alternative yields the same benefits. However, recent research demonstrates that this is not always the case: effort is not always costly and can also add value. A promising avenue to study effort-based choice is to utilize formal decision models that enable quantitative modeling. In this paper, we aim to present an overview of the current approaches to modeling effort-based choice and discuss some considerations that stem from theoretical and practical issues (present and previous) in studies on the role of effort, focusing on the connections and discrepancies between formal models and the findings from the body of empirical research. Considering that effort can, in some circumstances, act as a cost and as a benefit, reconciling these discrepancies is a practical and theoretical challenge that can ultimately lead to better predictions and increased model validity. Our review identifies and discusses these discrepancies providing direction for future empirical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Białaszek
- SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, DecisionLab: Center for Behavioral Research in Decision Making, Institute of Psychology, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Przemysław Marcowski
- SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, DecisionLab: Center for Behavioral Research in Decision Making, Institute of Psychology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Szymon Mizak
- SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, DecisionLab: Center for Behavioral Research in Decision Making, Institute of Psychology, Warsaw, Poland
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9
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Brahms M, Heinzel S, Rapp M, Mückstein M, Hortobágyi T, Stelzel C, Granacher U. The acute effects of mental fatigue on balance performance in healthy young and older adults - A systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2022; 225:103540. [PMID: 35245722 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2022.103540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive resources contribute to balance control. There is evidence that mental fatigue reduces cognitive resources and impairs balance performance, particularly in older adults and when balance tasks are complex, for example when trying to walk or stand while concurrently performing a secondary cognitive task. We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed (MEDLINE), Web of Science and Google Scholar to identify eligible studies and performed a random effects meta-analysis to quantify the effects of experimentally induced mental fatigue on balance performance in healthy adults. Subgroup analyses were computed for age (healthy young vs. healthy older adults) and balance task complexity (balance tasks with high complexity vs. balance tasks with low complexity) to examine the moderating effects of these factors on fatigue-mediated balance performance. We identified 7 eligible studies with 9 study groups and 206 participants. Analysis revealed that performing a prolonged cognitive task had a small but significant effect (SMDwm = -0.38) on subsequent balance performance in healthy young and older adults. However, age- and task-related differences in balance responses to fatigue could not be confirmed statistically. Overall, aggregation of the available literature indicates that mental fatigue generally reduces balance in healthy adults. However, interactions between cognitive resource reduction, aging and balance task complexity remain elusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Brahms
- Division of Training and Movement Sciences, Research Focus Cognition Sciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Stephan Heinzel
- Freie Universität Berlin, Habelschwerdter Allee 45, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Rapp
- University of Potsdam, Research Focus Cognitive Sciences, Division of Social and Preventive Medicine, Am Neuen Palais 10, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Marie Mückstein
- International Psychoanalytic University, Stromstraße 1, 10555 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tibor Hortobágyi
- University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Sport Biology, Institute of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Somogy County Kaposi Mór Teaching Hospital, Kaposvár, Hungary
| | - Christine Stelzel
- International Psychoanalytic University, Stromstraße 1, 10555 Berlin, Germany
| | - Urs Granacher
- Division of Training and Movement Sciences, Research Focus Cognition Sciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
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Mental Fatigue-Associated Decrease in Table Tennis Performance: Is There an Electrophysiological Signature? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182412906. [PMID: 34948514 PMCID: PMC8700914 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182412906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Mental fatigue (MF) is a psychobiological state negatively impacting both cognitive and physical performance. Although recent research implies that some table tennis (TT) performance outcomes are impaired by MF, open skill sports such as TT require a more detailed overview of MF-related performance decrements. Moreover, research into MF and sport-specific psychomotor performance lacks the inclusion of brain-related measurements to identify MF mechanisms. Eleven experienced TT players participated in this randomized counterbalanced crossover trial. Participants were either required to perform an individualized Stroop task (MF condition) or watch a documentary (control condition). The primary outcomes were reaction time on a sport-specific visuomotor task and EEG activity throughout the trial. The subjective feeling of MF was significantly different between both conditions and confirmed that the MF condition induced the mentally fatigue state of participants (p < 0.001), though no behavioral indicators (i.e., decrease in performance on Stroop and flanker task) of MF. MF worsened reaction time on the visuomotor task, while other secondary measurements remained largely ambiguous. Spectral power (i.e., decreases in upper α band and θ band) was influenced by MF, while ERPs measured during the visuomotor task remained unaltered. The present study confirms that MF negatively impacts table tennis performance, specifically inhibitory stimuli during the visuomotor task. These findings also further augment our understanding of the effects of MF on human performance.
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Correction: Mental Fatigue Might be Not So Bad for Exercise Performance After All: A Systematic Review and Bias-Sensitive Meta-Analysis. J Cogn 2021; 4:32. [PMID: 34327303 PMCID: PMC8300579 DOI: 10.5334/joc.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
This article details a correction to: Holgado, D., Sanabria, D., Perales, J. C., & Vadillo, M. A. (2020). Mental Fatigue Might Be Not So Bad for Exercise Performance After All: A Systematic Review and Bias-Sensitive Meta-Analysis. Journal of Cognition, 3(1), 38. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5334/joc.126
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Brown DMY, Farias Zuniga A, Mulla DM, Mendonca D, Keir PJ, Bray SR. Investigating the Effects of Mental Fatigue on Resistance Exercise Performance. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:6794. [PMID: 34202762 PMCID: PMC8297120 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18136794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mental fatigue can impart negative effects on subsequent physical performance, although the mechanisms underlying these effects are not well understood. This study examined whether mental fatigue confers negative carryover effects on the performance of a set of biceps curls, while also investigating physiological and psychological mechanisms proposed to explain the predicted effect. A randomized, cross-over design was employed. On visit 1, participants (N = 10) performed a barbell biceps curl one-repetition maximum (1RM) test. On visits 2-3, participants performed 20 biceps curls at 50% of their 1RM, followed by their respective 10 min experimental manipulation (high vs. low cognitive exertion) and then a second set of biceps curls to exhaustion. Ratings of perceived exertion and electromyography of the biceps brachii, triceps brachii, upper trapezius, thoracic erector spinae and lumbar erector spinae were recorded during the physical task. The total number of repetitions completed was similar across the conditions. Results also failed to show between-condition differences for muscle activation and perceptions of exertion. Future research is needed to build an adequate knowledge base to determine whether there is an effect of mental fatigue on dynamic resistance-based task performance and, if so, identify the mechanisms explaining how and why.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denver M. Y. Brown
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; (A.F.Z.); (D.M.M.); (D.M.); (P.J.K.); (S.R.B.)
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Filipas L, Martin K, Northey JM, La Torre A, Keegan R, Rattray B. Response to the letter to the editor regarding the article "A 4-week endurance training program improves tolerance to mental exertion in untrained individuals". J Sci Med Sport 2021; 24:1202-1203. [PMID: 34119397 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2021.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Filipas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy; Department of Endocrinology, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS MultiMedica, Italy.
| | - Kristy Martin
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, University of Canberra, Australia; Discipline of Sport and Exercise Science, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Australia
| | - Joseph M Northey
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, University of Canberra, Australia; Discipline of Sport and Exercise Science, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Australia
| | - Antonio La Torre
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy; IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Italy
| | - Richard Keegan
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, University of Canberra, Australia; Discipline of Sport and Exercise Science, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Australia
| | - Ben Rattray
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, University of Canberra, Australia; Discipline of Sport and Exercise Science, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Australia
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García-Calvo T, Pulido JJ, Ponce-Bordón JC, López-Gajardo MÁ, Teoldo Costa I, Díaz-García J. Can Rules in Technical-Tactical Decisions Influence on Physical and Mental Load during Soccer Training? A Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:4313. [PMID: 33921701 PMCID: PMC8072652 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18084313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze the effects of rules limitations in pass decisions during soccer tasks on physical and mental load reported by players. Participants were 40 semiprofessional Spanish soccer players (Mage = 22.40, SD = 2.25) from two male teams. Two training sessions with four tasks (same tasks with different score system: two maintaining ball possession games with goalkeepers, and two maintaining ball possession games) in counterbalanced order between teams were completed. To achieve a goal during limitation tasks, a minimum number of players had to participate in the passes before the goal. Internal (perceived effort and heart rate) and external physical load (distances), mental load (validated adaptation of the NASA-TXL) and fatigue (VASfatigue) were quantified. Paired t-test and magnitude-based inference were conducted. The results showed significantly higher mean speeds (p < 0.01), effort perception (p < 0.001), and mental fatigue (very likely positive) during possession games with restrictions. Additionally, performance satisfaction obtained significantly higher values with goalkeepers and pass restrictions (very likely positive). External physical load showed no significant differences between situations. The influence of mental fatigue on internal load and the complexity of the tasks could explain these results. Coaches can use this information to manipulate the training load in ecological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomás García-Calvo
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, Av. of University S/N, 10013 Caceres, Spain; (J.J.P.); (J.C.P.-B.); (M.Á.L.-G.); (J.D.-G.)
| | - Juan José Pulido
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, Av. of University S/N, 10013 Caceres, Spain; (J.J.P.); (J.C.P.-B.); (M.Á.L.-G.); (J.D.-G.)
| | - José Carlos Ponce-Bordón
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, Av. of University S/N, 10013 Caceres, Spain; (J.J.P.); (J.C.P.-B.); (M.Á.L.-G.); (J.D.-G.)
| | - Miguel Ángel López-Gajardo
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, Av. of University S/N, 10013 Caceres, Spain; (J.J.P.); (J.C.P.-B.); (M.Á.L.-G.); (J.D.-G.)
| | - Israel Teoldo Costa
- Centre of Research and Studies in Soccer, Universidade Federal de Vicosa, 36.571-000 Viçosa, Brazil;
| | - Jesús Díaz-García
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, Av. of University S/N, 10013 Caceres, Spain; (J.J.P.); (J.C.P.-B.); (M.Á.L.-G.); (J.D.-G.)
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Behm DG, Alizadeh S, Hadjizedah Anvar S, Hanlon C, Ramsay E, Mahmoud MMI, Whitten J, Fisher JP, Prieske O, Chaabene H, Granacher U, Steele J. Non-local Muscle Fatigue Effects on Muscle Strength, Power, and Endurance in Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis. Sports Med 2021; 51:1893-1907. [PMID: 33818751 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-021-01456-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fatigue of a muscle or muscle group can produce global responses to a variety of systems (i.e., cardiovascular, endocrine, and others). There are also reported strength and endurance impairments of non-exercised muscles following the fatigue of another muscle; however, the literature is inconsistent. OBJECTIVE To examine whether non-local muscle fatigue (NLMF) occurs following the performance of a fatiguing bout of exercise of a different muscle(s). DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. SEARCH AND INCLUSION A systematic literature search using a Boolean search strategy was conducted with PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar in April 2020, and was supplemented with additional 'snowballing' searches up to September 2020. To be included in our analysis, studies had to include at least one intentional performance measure (i.e., strength, endurance, or power), which if reduced could be considered evidence of muscle fatigue, and also had to include the implementation of a fatiguing protocol to a location (i.e., limb or limbs) that differed to those for which performance was measured. We excluded studies that measured only mechanistic variables such as electromyographic activity, or spinal/supraspinal excitability. After search and screening, 52 studies were eligible for inclusion including 57 groups of participants (median sample = 11) and a total of 303 participants. RESULTS The main multilevel meta-analysis model including all effects sizes (278 across 50 clusters [median = 4, range = 1 to 18 effects per cluster) revealed a trivial point estimate with high precision for the interval estimate [- 0.02 (95% CIs = - 0.14 to 0.09)], yet with substantial heterogeneity (Q(277) = 642.3, p < 0.01), I2 = 67.4%). Subgroup and meta-regression analyses showed that NLMF effects were not moderated by study design (between vs. within-participant), homologous vs. heterologous effects, upper or lower body effects, participant training status, sex, age, the time of post-fatigue protocol measurement, or the severity of the fatigue protocol. However, there did appear to be an effect of type of outcome measure where both strength [0.11 (95% CIs = 0.01-0.21)] and power outcomes had trivial effects [- 0.01 (95% CIs = - 0.24 to 0.22)], whereas endurance outcomes showed moderate albeit imprecise effects [- 0.54 (95% CIs = - 0.95 to - 0.14)]. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the findings do not support the existence of a general NLMF effect; however, when examining specific types of performance outcomes, there may be an effect specifically upon endurance-based outcomes (i.e., time to task failure). However, there are relatively fewer studies that have examined endurance effects or mechanisms explaining this possible effect, in addition to fewer studies including women or younger and older participants, and considering causal effects of prior training history through the use of longitudinal intervention study designs. Thus, it seems pertinent that future research on NLMF effects should be redirected towards these still relatively unexplored areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G Behm
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada.
| | - Shahab Alizadeh
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Saman Hadjizedah Anvar
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada.,University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Courtney Hanlon
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Emma Ramsay
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | | | - Joseph Whitten
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - James P Fisher
- School of Sport, Health and Social Science, Solent University, Southampton, UK
| | - Olaf Prieske
- Division of Exercise and Movement, University of Applied Sciences for Sport and Management Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Helmi Chaabene
- Division of Training and Movement Science, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Urs Granacher
- Division of Training and Movement Science, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - James Steele
- School of Sport, Health and Social Science, Solent University, Southampton, UK.,Ukactive Research Institute, London, UK
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Wolff W, Bieleke M, Martarelli CS, Danckert J. A Primer on the Role of Boredom in Self-Controlled Sports and Exercise Behavior. Front Psychol 2021; 12:637839. [PMID: 33732197 PMCID: PMC7957048 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.637839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-control is critical for successful participation and performance in sports and therefore has attracted considerable research interest. Yet, knowledge about self-control remains surprisingly incomplete and inconsistent. Here, we draw attention to boredom as an experience that likely plays an important role in sports and exercise (e.g., exercise can be perceived as boring but can also be used to alleviate boredom). Specifically, we argue that studying boredom in the context of sports and exercise will also advance our understanding of self-control as a reward-based choice. We demonstrate this by discussing evidence for links between self-control and boredom and by highlighting the role boredom plays for guiding goal-directed behavior. As such, boredom is likely to interact with self-control in affecting sports performance and exercise participation. We close by highlighting several promising routes for integrating self-control and boredom research in the context of sports performance and exercise behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanja Wolff
- Department of Sport Science, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maik Bieleke
- Department for Psychology of Development and Education, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - James Danckert
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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