Scientific Programme
Applied Sports Sciences
IS-AP05 - Investigating the Causes of Fatigue in Endurance Activities: Societal Benefits, Physiological Markers, and Interdisciplinary Approaches
Date: 04.07.2025, Time: 09:30 - 10:45, Session Room: Anfiteatro
Description
Fatigue is a complex phenomenon encompassing both mental and physical dimensions, the inter-relationship between which is not well-understood despite its apparent importance as a protective behavioural cue. Whilst the behavioural consequences of fatigue are easily observed in sport, its effects are ubiquitous across various societal contexts, including work and daily life. This symposium aims to elucidate the societal benefits of investigating fatigue and will consider some of the conceptual and heuristic challenges associated with the kind of interdisciplinary research needed to develop theory and create effective psychological interventions. We draw on our work of measuring perceptions of fatigue (Micklewright et al., 2018) and using psychological strategies to resist slowing down or stopping during endurance activity (Meijen et al., 2023). We also draw on a recent model (Beedie et al., 2022) that differentiates mood as sustained physiological disturbances (like fatigue) from reactionary emotions, suggesting physiological strategies to stabilize mood and psychological skills for managing situational emotional responses.
Chair(s)
Andrew Lane
University of Wolverhampton, Institute of Sport
United Kingdom
Speaker A
Carla Meijen
St Mary's University, Faculty of Sport, Health and Applied Science
United Kingdom
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Societal Benefits of Investigating Fatigue
The first presentation explores how investigating fatigue contributes to societal well-being. Fatigue affects millions, impacting productivity, health, and quality of life. By comprehensively understanding mental and physical fatigue, we can devise targeted interventions that enhance performance in sports, workplaces, and education. For example, in sports, recognizing the signs of fatigue allows athletes and coaches to adjust training loads, thereby reducing injury risks and improving performance outcomes. Understanding fatigue can lead to advancements in occupational health, as workers suffering from fatigue are more prone to accidents and lower productivity levels. By identifying the causes of fatigue, organizations can implement preventive measures, such as optimizing work schedules and promoting health and wellness programs. In educational settings, students often grapple with fatigue that hinders their academic performance. Understanding the psychological and physiological contributors to student fatigue can lead to more effective learning strategies and improved mental health support, fostering an environment where students can thrive. Fatigue often combines with negative mood states, and understanding and addressing fatigue can alleviate negative mood, thereby reducing stress and the likelihood of intense emotional reactions.
Speaker B
Dominic Micklewright
University of Essex, Dean of Undergraduate Education
United Kingdom
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Conceptual and Heuristic Challenges in Defining and Measuring Fatigue
The second presentation will explore the challenges we face in finding a universally agreeable definition of fatigue, given the prevalent use of this term in such a wide array of everyday, academic and clinical domains. Previous propositions about antecedent factors and mechanisms, both interoceptive and exteroceptive, that lead to subjective experience of fatigue are now so numerous and context specific that the prospect of theoretical parsimony seems, for now at least, beyond reach. Nevertheless, the subjective feeling of fatigue can be measured, and this has great practical utility is understanding the conditions that lead to fatigue and what can be done to prevent its occurrence or ameliorate its impact.
Speaker C
Andrew Lane
University of Wolverhampton, Institute of Sport
United Kingdom
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Psychological Interventions and the Need for Interdisciplinary Approaches
The third presentation explores the psychological aspects of fatigue in endurance activities and the necessity for interdisciplinary interventions. Psychological fatigue often manifests as mental exhaustion, characterized by decreased motivation, impaired cognitive function, and negative emotional states. Interventions focusing solely on psychological factors may overlook the underlying physiological contributors, leading to incomplete solutions. Research by Meijen et al. (2023) emphasizes the importance of psychological strategies, such as goal setting, motivational self-talk, and distraction techniques, in managing fatigue during endurance activities. However, these strategies should be complemented by physiological assessments to ensure a comprehensive approach to fatigue management. An interdisciplinary framework that integrates psychological and physiological insights can enhance the effectiveness of fatigue interventions. For instance, athletes could benefit from tailored psychological strategies that account for their physiological state, leading to improved performance outcomes. This holistic approach not only addresses fatigue more effectively but also promotes overall well-being, recognizing the interplay between mind and body. Conclusion In summary, understanding the physiological markers of fatigue and their relationship to performance is essential for developing effective interventions. Psychological strategies are vital, yet they must be integrated with physiological assessments for a comprehensive integrated approach. Equally, understanding that physiological driven strategies can alleviate fatigue and repair negative mood. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, we can enhance our understanding of fatigue in endurance activities and develop more effective strategies for individuals in various contexts. References Beedie, C. J., Lane, A. M., Udberg, R., & Terry, P. C. (2022). The 4R model of mood and emotion for sustainable mental health in organizational settings. Sustainability, 14(18), 11670. https://doi.org/10.3390/su141811670 Meijen, C., Brick, N. E., McCormick, A., Lane, A. M., Marchant, D. C., Marcora, S. M., Micklewright, D. P., & Robinson, D. T. (2023). Psychological strategies to resist slowing down or stopping during endurance activity: An expert opinion paper. Sport and Exercise Psychology Review, 18(1), 4-37. https://doi.org/10.53841/bpssepr.2023.18.1.4 Micklewright, D., St Clair Gibson, A., Gladwell,V., & Al Salman, A. J. S. M. (2017). Development and validity of the rating-of-fatigue scale. Sports Medicine, 47, 2375-2393. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-017-0711-5