# Effects of Sprint Interval Training on Brain Fatigue Resistance in Competitive Skateboarders: Evidence from EEG, HRV, and VAS Measures

PMID: 41598181
Journal: Life (Basel, Switzerland)
Published: 2025 Dec 24
Authors: Yang M, Guo Y, Zhao K

## Question

Does 6 weeks of sprint interval training improve resistance to mental fatigue in elite competitive skateboarders as measured by EEG, HRV, and VAS ratings?

## Summary

A small single-group study in elite adolescent skateboarders found that 6 weeks of supervised climbing-ergometer sprint interval training was associated with more favorable EEG, HRV, and subjective fatigue patterns after a mental-fatigue task. Without a control group or behavioral Stroop outcomes, the results are exploratory.

## Population

- Elite competitive skateboarders from the Chinese national team.
- Sample size: 12
- Age: 16.2 +/- 2.8 years
- Sex: 7 male and 5 female
- Fitness level: Elite adolescent skateboarders with at least 5 years structured skateboarding/physical training.
- Health status: Healthy, normal vision, no cardiovascular or neuromuscular disorders affecting high-intensity tests.

## Methodology

- Single-group repeated-measures intervention
- 6 weeks
- Chinese national skateboarding team training setting

## Protocol

- Climbing-ergometer SIT.
- Modality: Vertical climbing ergometer.
- Work intervals: 30 s maximal climbing sprint.
- Recovery: 150 s passive or low-intensity active recovery.
- Sets or repetitions: 6 sprints.
- Intensity: 85%-95% HRmax.
- Session duration: About 45 min.
- Frequency: 3 sessions/week.
- Program length: 6 weeks.
- Progression: 18 sessions integrated into team conditioning; exact resistance progression unclear.

## Outcomes

### EEG/HRV
Status: improved
Neural and autonomic markers shifted toward better fatigue resistance over time.

Exact effect statistics were not fully captured in the NXML excerpts reviewed.

### VAS fatigue
Status: mixed
Mental fatigue stayed stable, motivation and mental exertion increased, and physical fatigue decreased.

## Practical Insights

- Sport-specific sprint modalities can reduce logistical risk versus maximal running or sport-skill sprints.
- Maximal intervals in young athletes should include explicit symptom stop rules.

## Limitations

- Small sample
- No control group
- Elite athlete population
- Proprietary physiological algorithms
- No analyzed Stroop behavioral performance
- Potential learning and team-training confounding

## Safety And Adherence

- Adverse events were not reported.
- No athletes withdrew during the 6-week intervention.
- Sessions were supervised, heart-rate monitored, and had immediate termination criteria for excessive strain such as dizziness or nausea.

## Original Sources

- [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41598181/) (pubmed)
- [DOI](https://doi.org/10.3390/life16010025) (doi)
- [PMC full text](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12843024/) (full text)

## Agent Guidance

Preserve the paper-level scope of this note. Do not generalize beyond the population, protocol, measured outcomes, and limitations above.