The amelioration of the impact of physical fatigue on cognitive performance by phytochemicals : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand
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Date
2016
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Massey University
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Abstract
Fatigue is common in everyday life. It is experienced as either cognitive or physical
fatigue, both of which are intertwined. Researchers are interested in investigating the
ability of phytochemical supplementation to improve cognitive performance by
diminishing the effects of physical fatigue. The results thus far have been highly
inconsistent (Brisswalter & Arcelin, 1997). The present study examined the effects of
phytochemical supplementation utilising a daily dose of 240 mg of blackcurrant
extract, a berry fruit high in phytochemicals but under-researched compared to other
berry fruits, such as blueberries. Fifty healthy participants completed two 3-hour
trials, the first during Week 1 and the second 6 weeks later. Half of the participants
were randomly assigned to the blackcurrant supplement group, the supplement being
consumed each day over the 6-week period. Each trial consisted of five cognitive
tests followed by a tailored HIIT cycle test. The purpose of the HIIT was to induce
physical fatigue and took less than 10 min overall. Cognitive tasks and mood
questionnaires were completed pre and post consumption of the supplement at both
Week 1 and Week 6. Participants received the blackcurrant supplement 1 hour before
post task measurements were completed. Analyses demonstrated that the blackcurrant
supplementation had no influence on cognitive performance. However, it is
questionable as to whether the degree of physical fatigue induced was sufficient to
negatively influence cognitive performance, even though previous studies had found
it to be so. Overall, it was concluded that blackcurrant supplementation taken across 6
weeks did not facilitate cognitive performance after physical fatigue. Possible
explanations for these findings are discussed, including ways for future research to
move forward.
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Keywords
Phytochemicals, Blackcurrants, Physiological effect, Cognition, Fatigue