BET works by systematically inducing mental fatigue through targeted cognitive tasks. These tasks are designed to be mentally demanding, pushing the brain to operate at higher levels of cognitive load. When the brain is exposed to these challenging conditions repeatedly, it begins to adapt, much like how muscles adapt to physical stress during exercise.
The process involves:
Cognitive Task Engagement: Participants perform specific tasks that require intense concentration, problem-solving, or memory recall.
Progressive Overload: The difficulty of these tasks is gradually increased to continually challenge the brain.
Induced Mental Fatigue: Sustained cognitive effort leads to mental fatigue, which is essential for triggering adaptation.
Psycho-Physiological Adaptations: The brain adapts by improving neural efficiency, increasing prefrontal cortex oxygenation, and enhancing neural pathways associated with executive functions.
Improved Performance: These adaptations result in better decision-making under stress, reduced perceived exertion during physical activities, and enhanced endurance both mentally and physically.
By training under conditions of mental fatigue, individuals learn to maintain high levels of cognitive and physical performance even when tired, which is critical in competitive sports and high-stress professions.