Os níveis de fadiga mental em atletas elite de voleibol de praia

Abstract

Introduction: Mental fatigue (MF) is a psychobiological state triggered by prolonged cognitive effort, impairing attention, decision-making, and technical-tactical performance in team sports. In beach volleyball, an intermittent and high-intensity sport, perceptual-cognitive demands are high due to the game's unpredictability and the need for rapid decisions. The tactical roles of blocker and defender present distinct characteristics that may influence athletes' mental workload. Although mental fatigue has been studied in laboratory settings, there is a lack of research assessing its effects in real competitive contexts, particularly considering differences between positions and genders. Therefore, this study aims to investigate mental fatigue levels in elite beach volleyball athletes during official matches, analyzing its impact on decision-making and technical performance according to players' roles and gender. Objectives: The study aimed to analyze mental fatigue levels in elite beach volleyball athletes during official matches, considering the tactical roles of blocker and defender. Decision-making index, mental fatigue levels across positions and genders, and performance coefficients related to players’ roles and gender were evaluated. Methodological Procedures: This cross-sectional observational study analyzed 50 official matches from the 2024 Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour in João Pessoa, involving 38 elite athletes (14 female, 24 male). Mental fatigue was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and NASA-TLX before and after matches. Technical-tactical performance and decision-making were analyzed through official competition videos. Mixed models were used to evaluate the effects of time, tactical role, and gender, with significance set at 5%. Outcome: This study evaluated mental fatigue, cognitive and physical demands, performance indicators, and decision-making in beach volleyball athletes during official competitions. Mental fatigue significantly increased post-match regardless of gender or tactical role (defender or blocker). Mental demand was higher in defenders, while physical demand showed no significant differences. Women and defenders exhibited superior performance coefficients. Losing athletes showed greater post-match mental fatigue. Decision-making index was influenced by role but not gender. Findings highlight the importance of considering tactical roles in athletes' physical and mental training.