Negative Effects of Mental Fatigue on Performance in the Yo-Yo Test, Loughborough Soccer Passing and Shooting Tests: A Meta-Analysis

We aimed to examine the effects of mental fatigue on the Yo-Yo test and Loughborough soccer passing and shooting tests performance using a meta-analysis. The search for studies was performed through eight bibliographic databases (Academic Search Elite, AUSPORT, Cochrane Library, PsycInfo, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science). The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the PEDro checklist. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed for data analysis. After reviewing 599 search results, seven studies with a total of ten groups were included in the review. All studies were classified as being of good methodological quality. Mental fatigue reduced the distance covered in the Yo-Yo test (Cohen’s d: −0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.66, −0.32). In the Loughborough soccer passing test, mental fatigue increased the original time needed to complete the test (Cohen’s d: −0.24; 95% CI: −0.46, −0.03), increased penalty time (Cohen’s d: −0.39; 95% CI: −0.46, −0.31), and decreased performance time (Cohen’s d: −0.52; 95% CI: −0.80, −0.24). In the Loughborough soccer shooting test, mental fatigue decreased points per shot (Cohen’s d: −0.37; 95% CI: −0.70, −0.04) and shot speed (Cohen’s d: −0.35; 95% CI: −0.64, −0.06). Overall, the findings presented in this review demonstrated that mental fatigue negatively impacts endurance-based running performance as well as soccer passing and shooting skills.

Mental Fatigue and Basketball Performance: A Systematic Review

Mental fatigue (MF) is a psycho-biological state that impairs sports-related performances. Recently, it has been proved that MF can affect basketball performance. However, a systematic overview detailing the influences of MF on basketball performance is still lacking. This study aims to investigate the effects of MF on the physical, technical, tactical, and cognitive performance of basketball. We used the databases of PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, Scopes, and CKNI for articles published up to 31 May 2021. The articles included in this study were projected to test whether MF influences basketball athlete performance. Only experimental design studies were selected, and the control condition was without MF. Finally, seven articles fit the inclusion criteria. The results imply that MF impairs the technical aspects of basketball (free throws, three-point shots, and total turnover) and the players' cognitive [take-the-first (TTF) heuristics and decision-making] performance, which results in athletes not using their techniques skillfully and being unable to make practical decisions during critical points in the game. In addition to that, the influences of MF on physical and tactical performance have not been studied. Further studies should look into comprehensive research on the influences of MF on basketball performance, especially on a player's physical and tactical performance.Systematic Review Registration: [https://inplasy.com/] [INPLASY2021100017].

The role of mental fatigue in soccer: a systematic review

Because of the role of mental fatigue in the development of elite soccer players, it has been a topic of interest for researchers in the last decades. First, we aim to shed light on the literature published about mental fatigue in soccer in the last 10 years. Second, based on the results obtained, we propose a new perspective on the role of cognitive effort in soccer. A systematic review (SR) was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO. A total of 18 articles met the inclusion criteria. The results showed an increase in the publications related to mental fatigue from 2014 onward. They were compared according to focus, sample, instruments and outcomes. Our proposal assumes that physical-physiological, technical-motor and tactical-cognitive demands entail a cognitive load that reduces the performance of players. Studies that prioritise controlling behavioural and physiological responses in cognitive tests are still needed.

Assessment of the mental fatigue state of an operator influenced by electromagnetic noise radiation

Objectives. The problem of determining the mental fatigue of the operator, which is processing the confidential information under the influence of electromagnetic noise radiation, is solved. The relevance of the problem is associated with the need to process the confidential information by the operator located in the limited space of a mobile technical system.Methods. The methods of spectral analysis theory of the results, received in the process of experimental studies the electroencephalograms, are used.Results. The results of experimental studies were obtained based on the processing and analysis of electroencephalograms recorded in standard leads Fp1, Fp2, F3, F4, C3, C4, P3, P4, O1, O2, F7, F8, T3, T4, T5, T6. The following quantitative parameters have been analyzed: power spectral density of delta-, theta-, alpha-, beta-, gamma-rhythms under the influence of electromagnetic noise radiation.Conclusion. The presence of mental fatigue of the operator is based on a comparative analysis of the obtained results and the data described in the scientific literature related to the occurrence of chronic mental fatigue; the fatigue caused by the military performing simulation tasks; mental fatigue caused by performing an RVP test.

Evaluating the Relationship Between Emotion Regulation and Pain Self-efficacy with Psychosocial Adjustment in Athletes with Chronic Pain Considering the Mediating Role of Mental Fatigue

Background: Pain is a pervasive and disabling barrier for the injured athlete threatening his/her ability to participate in sporting events and professional goals. However, psychological factors in the treatment process of chronic diseases are an important factor in involving the patient in treatment and making treatment decisions. Objectives: This research aimed to investigate the relationship between emotion regulation and pain self-efficacy with psychosocial adjustment in athletes with chronic pain, considering the mediating role of mental fatigue. Methods: The statistical population of this descriptive correlational study was all athletes with chronic pain referred to the Iranian Sports Medicine Federation. Using the convenience sampling method, a total of 200 injured athletes were selected as the sample size. For data collection, Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale (PAIS), Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ), Pain Fatigue Scale (PFS), and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ-short) were used. Descriptive statistics, correlation matrix, and path analysis (structural model) were used to analyze data. Also, SPSS (v21) and AMOS (v23) software were used to analyze the data. Results: According to the results, pain self-efficacy (β = 0.18), adaptive emotion regulation (β = 0.27), and mental fatigue (β = -0.19) had a direct positive and significant impact on psychosocial adjustment. Also, the direct effect of pain self-efficacy (β = -0.19), maladaptive emotion regulation (β = 0.17), and adaptive emotion regulation (β = -0.12) on mental fatigue was significant. In addition, the indirect effect of pain self-efficacy and maladaptive emotions on psychosocial adjustment via mental fatigue was significant. Conclusions: Mental fatigue plays a good mediating role between pain self-efficacy and emotion regulation with psychosocial adjustment of athletes with chronic pain.

Effects of Nutritional Interventions on Accuracy and Reaction Time with Relevance to Mental Fatigue in Sporting, Military, and Aerospace Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Research in sport, military, and aerospace populations has shown that mental fatigue may impair cognitive performance. The effect of nutritional interventions that may mitigate such negative effects has been investigated. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify the effects of nutritional interventions on cognitive domains often measured in mental fatigue research. Methods: A systematic search for articles was conducted using key terms relevant to mental fatigue in sport, military, and aerospace populations. Two reviewers screened 11,495 abstracts and 125 full texts. A meta-analysis was conducted whereby effect sizes were calculated using subgroups for nutritional intervention and cognitive domains. Results: Fourteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. The consumption of energy drinks was found to have a small positive effect on reaction time, whilst the use of beta-alanine, carbohydrate, and caffeine had no effect. Carbohydrate and caffeine use had no effect on accuracy. Conclusions: The results of this meta-analysis suggest that consuming energy drinks may improve reaction time. The lack of effect observed for other nutritional interventions is likely due to differences in the type, timing, dosage, and form of administration. More rigorous randomized controlled trials related to the effect of nutrition interventions before, during, and after induced mental fatigue are required.