Dr. Suzanna Russell discusses mental fatigue and its impact on human performance. Mental fatigue is defined as a psychobiological state induced by prolonged demanding cognitive activity. It can be measured subjectively, behaviorally, and neurophysiologically. The research shows that mental fatigue can negatively impact endurance-based performance and technical and tactical aspects of performance. Individual differences in susceptibility to mental fatigue exist, and factors such as occupational demand and fitness level can influence how individuals experience and tolerate mental fatigue. Exposing athletes to stressful stimuli and helping them develop comfort with uncertainty can enhance their ability to cope with mental fatigue. The conversation explores the relationship between mental fatigue and performance, as well as strategies to mitigate mental fatigue and promote recovery. The guests discuss the impact of informing athletes about mentally fatiguing tasks and the role of perception in fatigue. They also touch on the concept of flow state and its relationship to mental fatigue. The conversation highlights the importance of considering both subjective and objective measures of fatigue and the need for a holistic approach to understanding and managing fatigue. The guests also discuss the role of sleep and other recovery strategies in mitigating mental fatigue.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:21 Defining Mental Fatigue

04:13 Indicators and Measurement of Mental Fatigue

06:21 Impact of Mental Fatigue on Performance

11:18 Relationship Between Mental Fatigue and Central Nervous System Fatigue

13:35 Factors Influencing Susceptibility to Mental Fatigue

26:49 Informing Athletes about Mentally Fatiguing Tasks

29:45 Exploring the Relationship Between Mental Fatigue and Flow State

34:49 The Importance of Subjective and Objective Measures of Fatigue

36:37 Taking a Holistic Approach to Understanding and Managing Fatigue

45:13 The Role of Sleep and Recovery Strategies in Mitigating Mental Fatigue

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