Mental fatigue independent of boredom and sleepiness does not impact self-paced physical or cognitive performance in normoxia or hypoxia. Issue 15 (3rd August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: O'Keeffe, Kate; Raccuglia, Giuseppe; Hodder, Simon; Lloyd, Alex
• Is Part Of: Journal of sports sciences. Volume 39:Issue 15(2021)
• Page Start: 1687
• Page End: 1699
• Publication Date: 2021-08-03
• Subjects: Mental fatigue -- hypoxia -- combined stressors -- cognitive performance -- physical performance; Sports -- Periodicals; Sports -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Sports -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 612.044
• DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2021.1896104
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-0414

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study investigated the individual and combined effects of mental fatigue (MF) and hypoxia (HYP) on physical and cognitive performance. Fifteen males (24 ± 3 years) completed one familiarization session and six experimental trials, including: 1) normoxia (0.209 FiO2 ) and no MF; 2) normoxia (0.209 FiO2 ) with MF; 3) mild normobaric HYP (0.13 FiO2 ) and no MF; 4) mild normobaric HYP (0.13 FiO2 ) with MF; 5) severe normobaric HYP (0.10 FiO2 ) and no MF; 6) severe normobaric HYP (0.10 FiO2 ) with MF. Each condition included a 15-min self-paced time trial, followed by a 60-s isometric maximal voluntary contraction of the biceps brachii. MF was induced using a 16-min individualized cognitive test prior to exercise performance. Following each time trial, participants performed the Tower of Hanoi cognitive test. A main effect of HYP was observed on average power output, oxygen consumption and muscle oxygenation (P ≤ 0.004), with no effect of MF (P ≥ 0.599). Voluntary activation of the biceps brachii was also reduced in HYP (68.42 ± 5.64%, P = 0.039). No effect of MF or HYP was observed on cognitive performance (P ≥ 0.138). HYP impacted physical performance, whilst MF had no effect on self-paced physical or cognitive performance.