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

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.