The Acute Effects Of Mental Fatigue On Cycling Performance And Psychophysiological Responses: A Systematic Review

Öz

Purpose: 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.

Method: 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.

Results: 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.

Conclusion: 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.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Acute effect
• Cycling
• Mental fatigue
• Performance

Mental Yorgunluğun Bisiklet Performansı ve Psikofizyolojik Yanıtlar Üzerindeki Akut Etkileri: Sistematik Bir Derleme

Öz

Amaç: Mental yorgunluğun bisiklet performansı üzerindeki olumsuz etkileri bilinmesine rağmen, bu etkinin boyutu ve mekanizmaları hakkında literatürde sınırlı ve dağınık bulgular bulunmaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, mental yorgunluğun bisiklet performansı üzerindeki akut etkilerini inceleyen çalışmaları sistematik olarak değerlendirmektir.

Yöntem: Mental yorgunluk”, “bisiklet”, “performans” ve “akut etki” anahtar kelimeleri kullanılarak Google Scholar ve PubMed veri tabanlarında tarama yapılmıştır. PRISMA yönergelerine uygun olarak PICO yaklaşımı temelinde toplam 12 çalışma analize dahil edilmiştir.

Bulgular: Araştırma bulgularına göre, 30–90 dakika süren mental yorgunluk uygulamaları sonrasında, %80–100 şiddetinde gerçekleştirilen 8–10 dakikalık zamana karşı bisiklet performansında tükenme süresi ve ortalama güç değerlerinde azalma gözlenmiştir. Performans sonrasında ölçülen algılanan zorlanma düzeyinin (RPE) artması, performanstaki düşüşün RPE artışı ile ilişkili olduğunu göstermektedir. Bu doğrultuda mental yorgunluğun dayanıklılık performansını olumsuz etkilediği görülmektedir. Buna karşın, mental yorgunluk uygulamaları kalp atım hızı (HR), laktat (LA) ve glikoz (GLU) gibi fizyolojik parametrelerde anlamlı bir değişime neden olmamıştır. Ancak dikkat, motivasyon, EEG aktivitesi ve algı gibi bilişsel özelliklerin olumsuz etkilendiği belirlenmiştir. Sporcu seviyesi azaldıkça mental yorgunluğun performans üzerindeki olumsuz etkisinin arttığı, rekreatif ve amatör sporcuların bu durumdan daha fazla etkilendiği saptanmıştır. Buna karşılık, mental yorgunluğun süresinden bağımsız olarak 6 dakika ve altındaki maksimal performans ile 30 saniyelik Wingate anaerobik performansı üzerinde anlamlı bir etkisi bulunmamıştır.

Sonuç: Sonuç olarak, 30 dakika ve üzerindeki mental yorgunluk, en az 8 dakika süren ve %80’in üzerindeki şiddette gerçekleştirilen bisiklet performansını olumsuz etkilerken, kısa süreli maksimal performansı ve fizyolojik yanıtları etkilememektedir. Performansı olumsuz etkileyen faktörler yerine mental yorgunluğun etkilerini azaltmaya yönelik stratejilerin uygulanması, dayanıklılık performansı üzerindeki olumsuz etkileri azaltabilir. Bu bağlamda, bilişsel olarak etkilenen bisikletçilerde mental yorgunluğu azaltıcı uygulamaların performans üzerinde olumlu etkiler sağlayabileceği düşünülmektedir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Akut etki
• Bisiklet
• Mental yorgunluk
• Performans

Kaynakça

1. Ackerman, P. L. (2011). Cognitive fatigue: Multidisciplinary perspectives on current research and future applications. American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/12343-000
2. Akgönül, E. K. (2023). Bisikletçilerde bilişsel yorgunluğun ve kafein tüketiminin fonksiyonel eşik güç ve fizyolojik yanıtlar üzerine etkisi. Efe Akademi Publication.
3. André, N., Audiffren, M., & Englert, C. (2025). Brain endurance training as a strategy for reducing mental fatigue. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, 1616171. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1616171
4. Aras, D., Yiğit, S., Kayam, S., Arslan, E., & Akça, F. (2020). Effects of cognitive fatigue on exercise and sport performance (In Turkish: Bilişsel yorgunluğun egzersiz ve spor performansına etkileri. Spormetre Physical Education and Sport Sciences Journal, 18(1), 1–32. https://doi.org/10.33689/spormetre.620619
5. Barzegarpoor, H., Amoozi, H., Rajabi, H., Button, D., & Fayazmilani, R. (2020). The Effects of Performing Mental Exertion during Cycling Exercise on Fatigue Indices. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 41(12), 846–857. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1179-8326
6. Boksem, M. A., Meijman, T. F., & Lorist, M. M. (2005). Effects of mental fatigue on attention: an ERP study. Brain research. Cognitive Brain Research, 25(1), 107–116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cogbrainres.2005.04.011
7. Boksem, M. A., & Tops, M. (2008). Mental fatigue: costs and benefits. Brain Research Reviews, 59(1), 125–139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainresrev.2008.07.001
8. Brownsberger, J., Edwards, A., Crowther, R., & Cottrell, D. (2013). Impact of mental fatigue on self-paced exercise. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 34(12), 1029–1036. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0033-1343402

9. Clark, I. E., Goulding, R. P., DiMenna, F. J., Bailey, S. J., Jones, M. I., Fulford, J., McDonagh, S. T. J., Jones, A. M., & Vanhatalo, A. (2019). Time-trial performance is not impaired in either competitive athletes or untrained individuals following a prolonged cognitive task. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 119(1), 149–161. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-018-4009-6
10. Dallaway, N., Leo, S., & Ring, C. (2022). How am I doing? Performance feedback mitigates the effects of mental fatigue on endurance exercise performance. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 62, 102210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2022.102210
11. Duncan, M. J., Fowler, N., George, O., Joyce, S., & Hankey, J. (2015). Mental fatigue negatively influences manual dexterity and anticipation timing but not repeated high-intensity exercise performance in trained adults. Research in Sports Medicine (Print), 23(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/15438627.2014.975811
12. Filipas, L., Gallo, G., Pollastri, L., & La Torre, A. (2019). Mental fatigue impairs time trial performance in sub-elite under 23 cyclists. PloS One, 14(6), e0218405. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0218405
13. Guo, W., Ren, J., Wang, B., & Zhu, Q. (2015). Effects of Relaxing Music on Mental Fatigue Induced by a Continuous Performance Task: Behavioral and ERPs Evidence. PloS One, 10(8), e0136446. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0136446
14. Huang, X., Lin, J., & Demner-Fushman, D. (2006). Evaluation of PICO as a knowledge representation for clinical questions. AMIA ... Annual Symposium Proceedings. AMIA Symposium, 2006, 359–363.
15. Marcora, S. M., Staiano, W., & Manning, V. (2009). Mental fatigue impairs physical performance in humans. Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985), 106(3), 857–864. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.91324.2008
16. Martin, K., Staiano, W., Menaspà, P., Hennessey, T., Marcora, S., Keegan, R., Thompson, K. G., Martin, D., Halson, S., & Rattray, B. (2016). Superior Inhibitory Control and Resistance to Mental Fatigue in Professional Road Cyclists. PloS One, 11(7), e0159907. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0159907
17. Mera-González, I., Colomer-Poveda, D., López-Alonso, V. & Márquez, G. (2025). Effect of mental fatigue on performance in endurance tasks: a systematic review. Cultura, Ciencia y Deporte, 20(63), 2269. https://doi.org/10.12800/ccd.v20i63.2269
18. Moher, D., Shamseer, L., Clarke, M., Ghersi, D., Liberati, A., Petticrew, M., Shekelle, P., Stewart, L. A., & PRISMA-P Group (2015). Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 statement. Systematic Reviews, 4(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/2046-4053-4-1
19. Noakes, T. D. (2012). Fatigue is a Brain-Derived Emotion that Regulates the Exercise Behavior to Ensure the Protection of Whole Body Homeostasis. Frontiers in Physiology, 3, 82. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2012.00082
20. Otani, H., Kaya, M., Tamaki, A., & Watson, P. (2017). Separate and combined effects of exposure to heat stress and mental fatigue on endurance exercise capacity in the heat. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 117(1), 119–129. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-016-3504-x
21. Pageaux, B., & Lepers, R. (2018). The effects of mental fatigue on sport-related performance. Progress in Brain Research, 240, 291–315. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.pbr.2018.10.004
22. Pageaux, B., Marcora, S. M., Rozand, V., & Lepers, R. (2015). Mental fatigue induced by prolonged self-regulation does not exacerbate central fatigue during subsequent whole-body endurance exercise. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 9, 67. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2015.00067
23. Pires, F. O., Silva-Júnior, F. L., Brietzke, C., Franco-Alvarenga, P. E., Pinheiro, F. A., de França, N. M., Teixeira, S., & Meireles Santos, T. (2018). Mental Fatigue Alters Cortical Activation and Psychological Responses, Impairing Performance in a Distance-Based Cycling Trial. Frontiers in Physiology, 9, 227. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2018.00227
24. Proost, M., Habay, J., De Wachter, J., De Pauw, K., Rattray, B., Meeusen, R., Roelands, B., & Van Cutsem, J. (2022). How to Tackle Mental Fatigue: A Systematic Review of Potential Countermeasures and Their Underlying Mechanisms. Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 52(9), 2129–2158. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-022-01678-z
25. Rozand, V., Pageaux, B., Marcora, S. M., Papaxanthis, C., & Lepers, R. (2014). Does mental exertion alter maximal muscle activation?. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 8, 755. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2014.00755
26. Salam, H., Marcora, S. M., & Hopker, J. G. (2018). The effect of mental fatigue on critical power during cycling exercise. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 118(1), 85–92. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-017-3747-1
27. Silva-Cavalcante, M. D., Couto, P. G., Azevedo, R. A., Silva, R. G., Coelho, D. B., Lima-Silva, A. E., & Bertuzzi, R. (2018). Mental fatigue does not alter performance or neuromuscular fatigue development during self-paced exercise in recreationally trained cyclists. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 118(11), 2477–2487. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-018-3974-0
28. Sun, H., Geok Soh, K., Mohammadi, A., & Toumi, Z. (2024). The counteractive effects of interventions addressing mental fatigue on sport-specific performance among athletes: A systematic review with a meta-analysis. Journal of Sports Sciences, 42(24), 2279–2291. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2024.2317633
29. Van Cutsem, J., Marcora, S., De Pauw, K., Bailey, S., Meeusen, R., & Roelands, B. (2017). The Effects of Mental Fatigue on Physical Performance: A Systematic Review. Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 47(8), 1569–1588. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-016-0672-0
30. Van Cutsem, J., DE Pauw, K., Buyse, L., Marcora, S., Meeusen, R., & Roelands, B. (2017b). Effects of Mental Fatigue on Endurance Performance in the Heat. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 49(8), 1677–1687. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000001263
31. Van der Linden, D., Frese, M., & Meijman, T. F. (2003). Mental fatigue and the control of cognitive processes: effects on perseveration and planning. Acta Psychologica, 113(1), 45–65. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0001-6918(02)00150-6