Abstract

Background: Many daily life activities require motor performance while simultaneously performing a cognitive task that increases levels of arousal.

Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to know the effect of a cognitive stressor (CS) on time to task failure (TTF).

Materials and Methods: Each subject underwent three sessions. The first session included an isometric fatiguing contraction (isometric contraction [IMC]) using handgrip dynamometer. In the second session, CS was given for 2 min. In third session (IMC + CS), CS was given simultaneously with IMC. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), rate pressure product (RPP), and visual analog scale scores for anxiety (AVAS) and stress (SVAS) were recorded at rest, during three sessions and after 5 min of rest after completing the protocol. These parameters were analyzed by Student’s t-test and Pearson correlation test.

Results: TTF was significantly more in males and was positively correlated with initial strength. HR, BP, RPP, AVAS, and SVAS scores increased significantly with no gender differences during all three sessions from their respective resting levels. Systolic BP, RPP, and HR were significantly more during IMC + CS versus IMC session.

Conclusion: Exposure to CS can increase fatigability for both genders when performing low-force fatiguing contractions.

Key words: Cognitive Stress; Time to Task Failure; Isometric Contraction; Rate Pressure Product, Visual Analog Scale