@article{article_1937726, title={The Acute Effects Of Mental Fatigue On Cycling Performance And Psychophysiological Responses: A Systematic Review}, volume={9}, pages={375–389}, year={2026}, url={https://izlik.org/JA39RS43WW}, author={Özen, Gökmen and Kürkcü Akgönül, Esra and Ayaz, Ezgi and Yener, Özlem}, keywords={Akut etki, Bisiklet, Mental yorgunluk, Performans}, abstract={<p> <span> <strong>Purpose: </strong>Mental fatigue (MF) is known to negatively impact the performance of cyclists, but evidence regarding its effects on performance is limited. More comprehensive information is needed on this subject. In this context, the aim of this study is to systematically review publications in the literature that examine the effects of MF on cycling performance. </span> </p> <p> <span> <strong>Method: </strong>Studies related to the keywords “mental fatigue”, “cycling”, “performance”, and “acute effect” were searched in Google Scholar and PubMed databases. A total of 12 studies were examined using the PICO approach, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. </span> </p> <p> <span> <strong>Results: </strong>According to the research findings, after prolonged MF applications of 30-90 minutes, time trial cycling performance at 80-100% of peak power for 8-10 minutes decreases in terms of exhaustion time and average power value. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) level measured after the performance increases; this result indicates that the decrease in performance is related to the increase in RPE. Therefore, MF exposure reduces endurance performance. After MF application, there is no change on levels of physiological responses such as heart rate (HR), lactate (LA), and glucose (GLU); however, cognitive characteristics such as dexterity, motivation, EEG activity and perception are negatively affected. As the sports level of decreases, the negative effect of MF application on performance increases. In addition, MF negatively affects the performance of recreational or amateur athletes. In contrast, regardless of the duration of MF application has no effect on maximum intensity performance of 6 minutes and below, and 30 seconds of Wingate anaerobic performance. </span> </p> <p> <span> <strong>Conclusion: </strong>In conclusion, prolonged MF of 30 minutes or more reduces cycling performance at over 80% intensity for at least 8 minutes and increases RPE; however, MF does not affect maximal, short-term performance for 6 minutes or less and physiological responses. Adding factors that mitigate or minimize the effects of MF, instead of factors that negatively impact performance, could eliminate the negative impact of MF on endurance performance. In this respect, incorporating practices that reduce the effects of MF in cyclists who are negatively affected cognitively could positively influence their performance graph. </span> </p>}, number={2026}