Amy Tremback-Ball

Misericordia University
USA

Abstract Title:The Effects Of Mental Fatigue On Performance In High-Level Athletes: A Systematic Review

Biography:

Dr. Tremback-Ball holds a Ph.D. in human development from Marywood University, and a Bachelor of Science in health sciences and Master of Science in physical therapy from Misericordia University. She has served as a faculty member since 1999. She is a licensed physical therapist who has presented at dozens of state, national and international physical therapy, education and medical conferences. Dr. Tremback-Ball has published numerous articles in a variety of journals, such as the Journal of Women’s Health Physical Therapy and the Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine. The focus of her current research is working with and studying elite female triathletes.

Research Interest:

PURPOSE: To examine the available literature on the effects of mental fatigue on performance in high level athletes. Mental fatigue is characterized as the psychobiological feeling of tiredness and lack of energy induced by prolonged periods of demanding cognitive tasks. In recent years there has been increasing interest in factors of the cognitive aspects of performance and edge on the competition. Mental fatigue is something all athletes endure and they should understand its effects on performance and approaches to limit its impact. METHODS: The literature search was conducted from August 2024 through September 2024. The databases used included MEDLINE, CINAHL complete, and PubMed. Search terms included: mental fatigue, cognitive fatigue, sport performance, physical performance, performance, athletes, professional athletes, elite athletes, athletes, time, and endurance. Inclusion criteria were articles published within the last 10 years, were peer reviewed, and consisted of randomized control trials. Eleven articles were chosen. Two articles were found via hand search. RESULTS: Pre-induced mental fatigue before activity has a direct impact on athletes across multiple sports. Sports included basketball, swimming, cycling, orienteering, soccer, and triathlons. Pre-induced mental fatigue was simulated by tasks like the Stroop Test, smartphone usage, and academic challenges. Mental fatigue had little physiological effects, such as HR and VO2 max, but influenced the cognitive aspect of competition. Pre-induced mental fatigue led to athletes having a higher rate of perceived exertion, decreased timed trials in races, decreased reaction time and decreased sport specific performance like shooting percentage or passing performance. CONCLUSION: Methods to impede mental fatigue effects include limiting smartphone usage 30 minutes before an event, practicing meditation, brain endurance training, limiting practice during stressful academic times like final exams, and increasing the athlete’s motivation with external factors. Future studies can be done to evaluate more practical indicators of mental fatigue like lack of sleep, specific types of social media content, and work that could induce mental fatigue before performance.