Effects of Mental Fatigue on Depth Jump in Division I Female Soccer Players

Mental fatigue has been shown to hinder physical performance, especially in endurance-based sports. However, little research has been done concerning the impacts of mental fatigue on shorter maximal effort movements commonly encountered in sports activities, such as the depth jump. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of mental fatigue on depth jump performance and lower limb kinematics in Division I female soccer players. Eighteen participants performed depth jumps before and after a mentally fatiguing Stroop task. Multiple paired t tests were used to examine differences in dependent variables across conditions. The findings revealed a decrease in jump height ( p = . 002), propulsive impulse ( p = . 004), and peak hip adduction angles on the left ( p = . 003), while knee kinematics remained unchanged. This study challenges previous research on maximal anaerobic exercises, revealing mental fatigue’s potential influence on jumping and landing movements. However, mixed results in lower limb kinematics warrant further investigation. The study provides insights into the intricate relationship between mental fatigue and athletic capabilities, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions and further exploration of sport-specific movements.