The Effect of Acute Physical Fatigue on Information Processing, Pain Threshold and Muscular Performance
Source abstract
Abstract
This study explores the multifaceted effects of acute physical fatigue on information processing, pain threshold, and muscular performance. Enrolling 28 recreational athletes, we used a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocol to induce fatigue and conducted pre- and post-intervention assessments. Our findings revealed significant physiological and performance adaptations following the HIIT sessions. Key observations included increased heart rate and rate of perceived exertion and an enhancement in horizontal jump performance and isometric hand strength but no significant change in cognitive processing speed. Remarkably, participants demonstrated a notable increase in pain threshold and blood lactate levels post-exercise. These results challenge traditional views of fatigue, indicating not only a physiological but also a psychological resilience to high-intensity stress. This study provides new insights into the complex interplay between physical fatigue, cognitive function, and pain perception, highlighting the comprehensive effects of HIIT on both physiological and psychological dimensions of human performance.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Cardiovascular and exercise physiology · Heart Rate Variability and Autonomic Control · Sports Performance and Training
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Villaviciosa de Odón, Spain
Grupo de Investigación en Cultura, Educación y Sociedad, Universidad de la Costa, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia
Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
School of Health Sciences, ciTechcare, CDRSP, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
CEMMPRE, ARISE, University of Coimbra, 3040-256 Coimbra, Portugal
Faculty of Health Sciences, Camilo José Cela University, C. Castillo de Alarcón, 49, Villafranca del Castillo, 28692 Madrid, Spain
Funding
Centre for Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Processes—CEMMPRE, University of Coimbra
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