The Effect of Mental Fatigue on Lower Limb Functional Performance Tests and Brain Activity in a Healthy Population

Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Status: Completed

Conditions: EEG; Return to Sport; Brain Activity; Mental Fatigue; Functional Performance

Treatments: Other: Mental Fatigue; Other: Control

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03643406

143201836625

Details and patient eligibility

About

Objective of the study

The main objectives of this project are:

1. To assess the influence of mental fatigue on a return-to-play test battery in healthy population
2. To assess the influence of mental fatigue on brain functioning during a balance and reaction time task in healthy population In a later stage, these experiments could be carried out in a clinical context (e.g. in an ankle sprain population).

The researchers will use a randomized, placebo controlled, counter-balanced, cross-over design.

Thirteen healthy subjects will visit the lab 3 times. On the first visit (familiarisation trial), the investigators will collect the participants' characteristics. The participants will also be familiarized to the procedures and materials of the experiment during this first visit. The second and third visit contain the experimental setup and will proceed as follows: first, the participants will fill in a mental fatigue scale (M-VAS) and motivation scale. Next, the subjects will carry out a functional test battery (hop test, vertical jump test, Y-balance test, and a balance reaction-time test). Session rate of perceived exertion (RPE) is measured to indicate how fatigued the participants feel because of the test battery; also, M-VAS is collected once more. Then, a short cognitive task (Flanker task) is followed by either a long intensive cognitive task (90 minutes Stroop task) or control task (90 minutes documentary). Afterwards, participants have to carry out the Flanker task, fill in M-VAS (2x), perform the same test battery, fill in session RPE and one final fatigue scale (Nasa TLX). Heart frequency and EEG will be measured continuously during the trials.

Enrollment: 13 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 35 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Healthy (No neurological/cardiorespiratory/psychological disorders)
• Male and female
• No medication
• Non-smoker
• Between 18 and 35 years old

Exclusion criteria

• Back and/or lower extremity injuries during the past 6 months
• Bone/joint abnormalities
• Dizziness, history of loss of consciousness, any inner ear disorders
• Nervous system disorders or dysfunctions
• Uncorrected eye disorders/dysfunctions
• Illness
• Use of medication or any kind of drugs
• Use of alcohol, caffeine and heavy efforts 24 hours before each trial
• Not eating the same meal the night before and the morning of each trial

Trial design

Primary purpose: Basic Science

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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13 participants in 2 patient groups, including a placebo group

Mental Fatigue Condition

Experimental group

Treatment:

Other: Mental Fatigue

Control Condition

Placebo Comparator group

Treatment:

Other: Control