The Effects Of Acute Fatigue On Executive Function In Division One Mountain Bikers

The effect of low to moderate intensity exercise on executive function (EF) is well documented in sedentary and recreational athletes. However, the impact of high-intensity exercise on EF in elite athletes is unclear. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of high-intensity cycling on EF in elite mountain bikers. METHODS: Eight male cyclists (Age 19.1 ± .3, Weight 67.63 kg ± 15.6, FTP 333.8 ± 25) were recruited. Tests were performed on a cycle ergometer that was custom fit to each participant based on measurements of their mountain bike. On a day prior to testing, all subjects were given 30 minutes to familiarize themselves with the Stroop test, as well as five Stroop tests completed immediately before the cycling trial. Baseline Stroop tests were randomized pre or post-trial by flipping a coin. The subjects performed 10 minutes at 100% of their self-reported functional threshold power (FTP) followed by four Stroop tests separated by five minutes. RESULTS: A paired t-test assuming unequal variance was used to determine if there were differences within Stroop scores versus baseline for each individual time. There was no difference (p > .05) between baseline and 0 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, and 15 minutes post high-intensity cycling. CONCLUSION: Elite mountain bikers do not exhibit impaired EF following high-intensity exercise. In previous research on recreational athletes, Stroop scores decreased after high-intensity exercise. This suggests that elite mountain bikers’ EF is not affected in the same fashion as less trained individuals.