This checklist simplifies the process of monitoring and managing mental fatigue effectively with the PVT-B task. By following these steps and guidelines, you can optimize your athletes’ performance, prevent overtraining, and ensure proper cognitive load management throughout different training phases.
Monitoring Steps
💡 Tip: Apply the RMF Scale via the Soma Analytics Plan Builder to monitor fatigue levels across all tasks and alongside the PVT-B task. This helps identify which tasks generate the most mental fatigue.
Load Management
Adjust cognitive load based on the training phase:
In-Season
Use lighter cognitive loads to reduce accumulated
fatigue. Minimal changes in reaction time or lapse count are ideal.
Off-/Pre-Season
Use higher loads to build cognitive resilience. Expect slower post-session PVT-B reaction times and an increase in lapse count.
Interpreting Data
Identify trends in PVT-B results:
Slower reaction times (post-session): Indicates mental fatigue.
Faster reaction times (post-session): May suggest underloading or, if in-season, indicate that athletes are being kept optimized for performance during the season.
Increase in lapse count: A sign of mental fatigue.
Check recovery: Ensure pre-session metrics return to baseline before the next session.
Adjust training loads based on fatigue data.
Important Note
Keeping Athletes Sharp
If the goal is to keep athletes sharp and fresh,monitor PVT-B carefully to avoid large changes in reaction time or lapse count.
Increasing Cognitive Capacity
If the goal is to increase cognitive capacity, ensure you induce enough mental fatigue to drive adaptations, such as an increased lapse count and slower reaction times.
Actionable Steps
1. Weekly Monitoring
Monitor trends weekly to detect overtraining or undertraining.
2. Adjust Training
Adjust training intensity and recovery based on collected data.
3. Improve Performance
Use fatigue metrics to push limits safely and improve performance over time.
Simple Tips
Quick Testing
Testing for mental fatigue takes only a few minutes—do it consistently.
Prioritize Recovery
Prioritize recovery to ensure athletes are fully rested between sessions.
Track Key Metrics
Keep it simple: Track PVT-B reaction times, lapse counts, and RMF metrics.