Effect of circuit training on central fatigue physical performance and cognitive function among different levels of recreational athletes

Abstract

Background/Introduction: Recreational athletes indulge in sports, physical activity, or physical fitness but do not train rigorously or intensely as per the requirements of competitive sports. Recreational athletes are categorized based on their physical activity levels. The categories are defined as low, moderate and high physical activity. Due to reduced physical activity, they get easily exerted after the physical exercise. Low-activity recreational players are prone to develop early fatigue compared to high-activity individuals. Therefore, circuit training efficiently reduces the post-exercise fatigue level and physical performance. No evidence shows the effect of circuit training with different levels of recreational athletes on physical performance before and after inducing fatigue. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of circuit training on central fatigue, physical performance (vertical jump test, muscular fitness test, static balance, dynamic balance), proprioception error and cognition in low, moderate and high physically active recreational athletes before and after inducing fatigue through shuttle run test. Methodology: It was an experimental study design (pretest-posttest) with three experimental groups. A total of 63 subjects were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were categorized into three groups (n=21) based on the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, i.e., low, moderate and high physically active recreational athletes. They performed physical tests (vertical jump test, muscular fitness test (sit-ups, push-ups, deep squats and burpees), static balance (stork test with eyes open and eyes closed), dynamic balance (star excursion balance test)), proprioception error and cognition (stroop test). Then, they were asked to perform a shuttle run test (beep test) at a sub-maximal level using the rate of perceived exertion. The oxygen uptake was calculated according to the number of shuttles the individual ran. After the shuttle run test, they were again asked to perform