The PFTT is best suited for identifying the precise moment an athlete crosses the psychomotor fatigue threshold during physical training. As physical intensity increases, cognitive performance initially improves, reaching a peak where the brain functions at its highest capacity. However, beyond this peak, cognitive functions, such as reaction time, begin to decline, even if the body continues to perform physically. The PFTT helps pinpoint this critical threshold, allowing coaches to optimize training programs. This might involve keeping the athlete within their optimal performance zone or deliberately pushing them beyond it to enhance their cognitive resilience. Research suggests that this threshold is not fixed and can be improved with consistent, targeted training.
When to Use the PFTT
Identify Psychomotor Fatigue Threshold: Use the PFTT to pinpoint the exact moment an athlete crosses the psychomotor fatigue threshold during physical training.
Optimize Training Programs: Best for determining when cognitive performance peaks and begins to decline as physical intensity rises. This allows you to maintain athletes at their optimal level or push them beyond it to enhance cognitive capacity.
Example of PFTT in Action
In the video below, you can see how the athlete’s performance changed over time during training.
📍 At the Start (10:38) – Strong Performance
Reaction Time: 331ms (quick).
Accuracy: 96% (very high).
Variation: 15% (consistent performance).
HRV: 100.70 (good).
The athlete is performing well.
📍 Peak Performance (10:51) – Best Cognitive State
Reaction Time: 310ms (fastest reaction time).
Accuracy: 96% (still high).
Variation: 14% (most stable performance).
HRV: 104.61 (good).
This is where the athlete is functioning at their highest capacity.
📍 Crossing the Fatigue Threshold (11:05) – Cognitive Decline Begins
Reaction Time: 348ms (slower responses).
Accuracy: 84% (dropped significantly).
Variation: 22% (less consistent reactions).
HRV: 67.75 (diminished).
The athlete has crossed the Psychomotor Fatigue Threshold (PFT), meaning their brain is now struggling to keep up, even though their body can still perform.
🔗 Changes of Reaction Time and Blood Lactate Concentration of Elite Volleyball Players During a Game