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Acute Mental Fatigue and Muscle Strength

Influence of Acute Mental Fatigue on Muscle Strength and Limb Symmetry in Healthy Adults

Who can join

Ages 18 to 39 · All sexes · Healthy volunteers welcome

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18-39 years
2. Able to produce maximal force against Biodex protocol
3. Able to perform required lower extremity movements through range of motion necessary for Biodex protocol
4. No known cognitive impairment
5. Sufficient musculoskeletal health to complete the tasks

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of a neurological disorder, disease, or cognitive impairment that may affect cognition, motor control, reaction time, or force production
2. History of musculoskeletal injury affecting the lower extremities within the past 6 months
3. History of lower extremity surgery affecting force production of the hip, knee, or ankle
4. Color-vision impairment
5. Significant visual or hearing impairment
6. History of migraine headaches
7. Current significant sleep disturbances or sleep deprivation
8. Head injury that may affect cognitive function
9. Medical condition affecting ability to produce maximal force safely
10. Allergy to adhesive tape, parabens, or propylene glycol
11. Scalp lacerations, open wounds, or sutures on the scalp
12. Cranial surgery or skull defects
13. History of unexplained dizziness or fainting in the past 6 months
14. Individuals who are pregnant, prisoners, or not yet adults
15. Inability to communicate with investigators
16. Inability to provide written informed consent

About the study

This study will investigate the acute effects of mental fatigue on lower-extremity muscle strength and limb symmetry in healthy young adults. Participants will complete lower-extremity strength testing before and after a standardized computer-based mental fatigue protocol involving tasks of attention, reaction time, concentration, and working memory. Muscle strength and limb symmetry will be assessed using isokinetic dynamometry, with muscle activity measured using surface electromyography. Participants will also complete subjective measures of mental fatigue, sleepiness, mental effort, and perceived physical exertion. Heart rate will be monitored throughout the study, and brain activity may be assessed during cognitive tasks. The study will determine whether acute mental fatigue is associated with changes in muscle strength, limb symmetry, and neuromuscular performance.

What is being tested

• Computer-Based Mental Fatigue Protocol (other)

Sponsor: Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition · Participants: 50 · Started: Sep 23, 2026

Contact the study team

• Nicole K Rendos, PhD · Phone: 850-202-4442

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07846618

Locations in the U.S.

Conditions

• Mental Fatigue

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.