Frontiers in Physiology (Sep 2016)

Cognitive Fatigue Influences Time-On-Task During Bodyweight Resistance Training Exercise

  • James Head,
  • Matthew S Tenan,
  • Andrew J Tweedell,
  • Thomas F Price,
  • Michael E LaFiandra,
  • William S Helton

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2016.00373
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7

Abstract

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Prior investigations have shown measurable performance impairments on continuous physical performance tasks when preceded by a cognitively fatiguing task. However, the effect of cognitive fatigue on bodyweight resistance training exercise task performance is unknown. In the current investigation 18 amateur athletes completed a full body exercise task preceded by either a cognitive fatiguing or control intervention. In a randomized repeated measure design, each participant completed the same exercise task preceded by a 52 minute cognitively fatiguing intervention (vigilance) or control intervention (video). Data collection sessions were separated by 1 week. Participants rated the fatigue intervention as being significantly more mentally demanding than the control intervention (p .05). There was no statistical difference for heart rate or metabolic expenditure as a function of fatigue intervention during exercise. Cognitively fatigued athletes have decreased time-on-task in bodyweight resistance training exercise tasks.

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