Abstract
PurposeThe aim of this study was to examine the impact of a maximal physical load on cognitive control in twelve well-trained males focusing on the time course of changes in a 15 min post-exercise interval.MethodsPrior to and three times after an incremental cycle ergometer task until exhaustion, behavioural performance and neurophysiological correlates using N2 and P3 event-related potentials (ERPs) were assessed during the execution of a modified flanker task. These data were compared to a control condition following the same protocol, however, without physical load between pre-test and post-tests.ResultsRegardless of compatibility (congruent, incongruent), behavioural findings revealed a significant interaction of Condition × Time with shorter reaction times in the post-exercise blocks as compared to the control condition. Neuroelectric measures demonstrated exercise induced effects of a reduced central N2 amplitude and shorter parietal P3 latency in the time course of post-exercise flanker blocks as compared to rest.ConclusionsIt is concluded that a state of maximal physical exhaustion facilitates information processing speed in a cognitive control task in well-trained persons. This effect persists even after a recovery period of 15 min. The current findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the neuronal mechanisms of interference control following maximal physical load, suggesting a reduced conflict monitoring as indicated by a reduced N2 amplitude and an increased stimulus classification speed as reflected by P3 latency. The flanker task, however, might have been too simple to elicit monitoring conflicts on the behavioural level.
Highlights
Maintaining cognitive control in a state of physical exhaustion is essential to be successful in many competitive sports
The current findings revealed that acute bouts of maximal physical load decreased information processing time in the post-exercise Eriksen flanker (EF) blocks (t2–t4) regardless of compatibility mode
Results of this study provide evidence that sportspersons do tolerate, but even profit from a preceding maximal physical exertion in terms of information processing in a cognitive control task that remains during a recovery period of 15 min
Summary
Maintaining cognitive control in a state of physical exhaustion is essential to be successful in many competitive sports. Keeping a high level of cognitive control is important during exercise, and in phases of low physical load. (e.g. changing weather conditions, shooting pattern, rifle set up...). As another example, team sport athletes obtain feedback and tactical instructions in time out phases or in the halftime. Team sport athletes obtain feedback and tactical instructions in time out phases or in the halftime In these periods, game relevant information is provided, and game irrelevant information must be ignored (e.g. announcements, insults from spectators...). Game relevant information is provided, and game irrelevant information must be ignored (e.g. announcements, insults from spectators...) All of these inhibitory cognitive processes occur under the impact of physical arousal caused by the foregoing physical load. As an example, there is still uncertainty whether it is best to coach at the beginning, in the middle or at the end of a 15 min halftime regarding inhibition of irrelevant information and speed of information processing
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
