Examining The Relationship Between Perceived Physical and Cognitive Fatigue and Cognitive Flexibility in Sports Higher Education Institution Students

Authors : Ebru Karakuş, Gökhan İpekoğlu, Kaan Karakuş, Hacı Ali Çakıcı

Pages : 306-319

Doi:10.15314/tsed.1503338

View : 59 | Download : 69

Publication Date : 2024-08-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between perceived physical and cognitive fatigue and cognitive flexibility among students of higher education institutions in sports. The study consists of a total of 224 participants, including 91 females and 133 males, determined through a random sampling method. In the study, the data collection instruments used were “Athlete Cognitive Flexibility Inventory” and “Perceived Physical and Cognitive Fatigue Scale.” Skewness-Kurtosis test, independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson correlation analysis were used in the data analysis. All statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 22.0 software. A significance level of p<0.05 was considered. When the study results were examined, no significant difference was found in the scale scores according to the variables of department, sport type, and sport level of the participants. Significant differences were found in the total scores of the Athlete Cognitive Flexibility Inventory, total scores of the Perceived Physical Fatigue Scale, and sub-dimension scores of the Perceived Physical Fatigue Scale according to the gender variable. Significant differences were found in the total scores and sub-dimension scores of the Perceived Physical and Cognitive Fatigue Scale and the control sub-dimension scores of the Athlete Cognitive Flexibility Inventory according to the age and sport age variables. As a result of the correlation analysis, a significant negative and moderate relationship was found between the two scales. According to these results, it is expected that as the perceived physical and cognitive fatigue levels increase, the level of cognitive flexibility decreases. Athletes who are physically and cognitively fatigued may have difficulty generating alternative solutions and may also experience a decrease in control skills. By providing training on stress management techniques to athlete students as part of the course, their skills in coping with stress, problem-solving, and increasing cognitive flexibility can be developed. Active recovery techniques such as light exercises, yoga, meditation, and massage can alleviate the effects of fatigue in athlete students.
Keywords : Bilişsel Esneklik, Algılanan Fiziksel Yorgunluk, Algılanan Bilişsel Esneklik