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EFFECT OF MENTAL FATIGUE ON INTER-SET
BENCH PRESS PERFORMANCE
Poster
MOK Siu Yau Franklin
BSocSc (Hons) in Sports and Recreation Management
Department of Sport and Recreation
OBJECTIVES RESEARCH BACKGROUND
To investigate the effect of mental The impact of mental fatigue on physical performance, particularly in strength
fatigue on inter-set upper body training, is an emerging area of interest. Mental fatigue, often resulting from
strength prolonged cognitive activity, can impair motor skills and potentially affect athletic
performance. This research aims to explore how mental fatigue influences
inter-set bench press performance. Understanding this relationship is vital for
optimizing training regimens and enhancing athletic outcomes. Conventionally,
physical performance is addressed through physical conditioning alone,
neglecting the cognitive aspects. By investigating mental fatigue, this study
seeks to provide a more holistic approach to training that could lead to improved
performance.
METHODOLOGY
This crossover study comprises one familiarization session and two experimental
sessions, with 3-7 days of rest between visits. Initially, subjects perform a
5-repetition maximum (5RM) bench press test, followed by two experimental
sessions: using social media to induce mental fatigue and watching a
documentary as a control. Following each intervention, mental fatigue is
assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Subjects then perform 3 sets of
3-5 reps at 90%-95% intensity, following a standardized RAMP warm-up. This
ABOUT THE INVESTIGATOR study employs GymAware to measure barbell velocity and ensure safety with a
spotter. The protocol aims to explore the effect of mental fatigue on bench press
As a passionate gym enthusiast, performance, with no verbal encouragement provided during the test.
I aspire to become a strength and
conditioning coach. I am dedicated FINDINGS
to understanding the intricacies of
physical training and performance The primary finding was that social media use significantly induced mental
enhancement. My love for fitness fatigue, but had no adverse effect on any bench press performance metrics,
drives me to explore innovative including mean bar velocity, total training volume, or rate of perceived exertion
training methodologies, aiming to across conditions or individual sets. Such findings are inconsistent with
empower athletes to achieve their existing research. The use of a visual analogue scale (VAS) to subjectively
peak potential through tailored measure mental fatigue is a key methodological difference that may explain
strength and conditioning programs. this inconsistency. Therefore, our results confirm that 30 minutes exposure to
FYP Supervisor: Mr Sing WONG social media has a negative impact on the participants’ athletic performance, a
conclusion consistent with prior research.
83 Student Applied Research Presentations 2025 Student Applied Research Presentations 2025
