Fadiga mental e desempenho físico de atletas de basquetebol em cadeira de rodas: uma abordagem de carga cognitiva individualizada

Abstract

Mental fatigue has been proposed as a factor that influences performance in various sports. Given the scarcity of literature on this relationship in Paralympic sports, this study aims to analyze the influence of mental fatigue on the physical performance of wheelchair basketball athletes. A crossover and randomized design was conducted and the participants were analyzed in tow experimental sessions. Familiarization, involved participant selection and familiarization with the protocol. After familiarization, in random order, they performed a Low cognitive demand experimental situation, comprised a physical task after watching a documentary for thirty minutes. and, High cognitive demand experimental situation, involved performing a physical test after the induction of mental fatigue. Eleven male athletes participated in the study, and the cognitive load was individualized for the mental fatigue condition. Physical performance was assessed through the Yo-Yo intermittent test, and mental fatigue was induced using the Stroop test. The different conditions were compared using Student’s t-tests and Wilcoxon sum rank test, according to data normality. The high cognitive demand condition resulted in a decrease in physical performance for distance (Low cognitive demand: 1169±429m; high cognitive demand: 924±399m; p<0.01) and test duration (low cognitive demand: 18±6.89 min; high cognitive demand: 14±6.49 min; p<0.01). The rating of perceived effort at the end of the physical test differed significantly between the conditions (low cognitive demand: 15±0.9; high cognitive demand: 17±1.4; p<0.002). It was concluded that mental fatigue reduced the physical performance in wheelchair basketball athletes.