Acute Mental Fatigue and Lower-Body Muscle Strength in Young Adults
Official title: Influence of Acute Mental Fatigue on Muscle Strength and Limb Symmetry in Healthy Adults
Run by Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition · NCT07846618 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether a computer-based mental fatigue task changes knee and leg muscle strength and limb symmetry in healthy young adults.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 39 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pensacola, Florida) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 23, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07846618 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18–39 who can perform maximal leg movements on the Biodex and have no recent lower-extremity injuries or neurological conditions.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with recent lower-extremity injuries, neurological or cognitive impairments, or other conditions affecting maximal force production may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Healthy young adults undergo baseline lower-extremity strength tests using a Biodex dynamometer, then complete a standardized mental fatigue protocol, and repeat strength testing to see if fatigue affects strength and limb symmetry. The study uses isokinetic measurements and surface EMG to assess muscle activity, with subjective fatigue and exertion ratings collected as well. It follows a within-subject, repeated-measures design conducted over a single session at IHMC Healthspan, Resilience, and Performance Research Complex. Heart rate monitoring will accompany testing, and brain activity may be evaluated during cognitive tasks. Primary outcome is peak torque and limb symmetry index before and after the mental fatigue task.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, results could help understand how mental fatigue might influence leg strength and symmetry, informing performance strategies and safety.
How similar studies have gone: prior work using mental fatigue protocols has explored cognitive and physical performance links, but applying isokinetic leg testing with neuromuscular measures is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 18-39 years 2. Able to produce maximal force against Biodex protocol 3. Able to perform required lower extremity movements through range of motion necessary for Biodex protocol 4. No known cognitive impairment 5. Sufficient musculoskeletal health to complete the tasks Exclusion Criteria: 1. History of a neurological disorder, disease, or cognitive impairment that may affect cognition, motor control, reaction time, or force production 2. History of musculoskeletal injury affecting the lower extremities within the past 6 months 3. History of lower extremity surgery affecting force production of the hip, knee, or ankle 4. Color-vision impairment 5. Significant visual or hearing impairment 6. History of migraine headaches 7. Current significant sleep disturbances or sleep deprivation 8. Head injury that may affect cognitive function 9. Medical condition affecting ability to produce maximal force safely 10. Allergy to adhesive tape, parabens, or propylene glycol 11. Scalp lacerations, open wounds, or sutures on the scalp 12. Cranial surgery or skull defects 13. History of unexplained dizziness or fainting in the past 6 months 14. Individuals who are pregnant, prisoners, or not yet adults 15. Inability to communicate with investigators 16. Inability to provide written informed consent
Where it's running
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Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition
Pensacola, Florida, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nicole K Rendos, PhD — Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition
- Study coordinator: Nicole K Rendos, PhD
- Email: nrendos@ihmc.org
- Phone: 850-202-4442
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.