Mental Fatigue in Sport: Mechanisms, Performance Implications, and Intervention Strategies

Mental fatigue, defined as a psychobiological state arising from prolonged cognitive activity, has gained increasing attention in sport psychology due to its detrimental effects on athletic performance. Emerging evidence suggests that mental fatigue impairs attention, decision-making, and self-regulation, which are critical for both technical execution and tactical performance in sport settings. In recent years, research has begun to explore underlying neurocognitive mechanisms, including alterations in prefrontal cortex activity and increased perception of effort. At the same time, growing interest has been directed toward practical interventions, such as mindfulness-based approaches, cognitive training, and recovery strategies, to mitigate its negative effects. Despite these advances, findings remain fragmented, and there is a need for a comprehensive synthesis that integrates mechanisms, performance outcomes, and applied interventions within a sport-specific context.This Research Topic seeks to consolidate current knowledge by integrating three key dimensions: underlying mechanisms, performance implications, and effective intervention strategies. Although recent studies have highlighted the negative effects of mental fatigue on attention, decision-making, and sport-specific skills, inconsistencies remain regarding its magnitude, moderators (e.g., expertise level, task type, acute versus chronic exposure), and ecological validity in real competitive settings. Differences between individual and team sports, as well as between training and competition contexts, further complicate direct comparisons across studies. Clarifying the mechanisms of action and practical effectiveness of emerging interventions is therefore a priority.To achieve this, the Research Topic will bring together experimental studies, randomized controlled trials, and systematic reviews that examine both neurocognitive and behavioral mechanisms, as well as applied interventions in diverse sport contexts. Recent advances in neurophysiological measures, wearable technology, and sport-specific performance analytics provide new opportunities to investigate mental fatigue in more ecologically valid environments. By synthesizing multidisciplinary evidence, this collection aims to offer clearer theoretical frameworks and actionable strategies for athletes, coaches, and practitioners.This Research Topic welcomes contributions examining mental fatigue in sport from theoretical, experimental, and applied perspectives, including neurocognitive and psychophysiological mechanisms (e.g., attentional control, perception of effort, brain activity), sport-specific performance outcomes (technical, tactical, physical, and decision-making performance), and moderating factors such as expertise level, task demands, and competitive context. Research on intervention strategies, including mindfulness-based approaches, cognitive training, recovery protocols, and integrative performance models, is also encouraged.We are interested in Original Research articles (experimental and field-based studies), Randomized Controlled Trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and theoretical or perspective papers that advance conceptual frameworks. Interdisciplinary approaches integrating psychology, neuroscience, and sport science are particularly welcome. Together, these contributions are expected to advance a more unified understanding of mental fatigue in sport and inform evidence-based practice for athletes, coaches, and support staff. Topic editors: Shudian Cao, Kim-Charline Broscheid, ALEJO GARCÍA-NAVEIRA Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/83862/mental-fatigue-in-sport-mechanisms-performance-implications-and-intervention-strategies