Esfuerzo físico y procesos atencionales en el deporte

The basic cognitive processes are essential aspects in the sports field, but their adequate functioning depends on the state of fatigue derived from a physical effort. Factors contributing to fatigue derive from both physical exertion and concomitant mental load, and also from the results of the task being performed. There is currently no consensus as to how performance of a physical affects cognitive performance. The goal of this study was to verify whether a high intensity physical effort has an influence on the cognitive performance in trained athletes. Differences between the values found with the Toulouse-Pieron test at baseline and after a physical stress test such as the Wingate test were analysed in a sample of 9 elite athletes practising combat sports. The results suggest significant differences in the scores between the two study phases (t = -8.014; p < .001), with better results in attention level after a stress test. It is concluded that trained athletes, when their body is subjected to maximum intensity efforts, increase their cognitive performance in tests that require attention and mental speed.