Effects of wind intensity on cognitive functions of young sailors in training

Abstract

The general fatigue level of athletes seems to influence their level of vigilance. Atmospheric elements seem to highly contribute to this deterioration, especifically the wind. The aim of this study is to analyze the alertness of a group of sailors during three training sessions prior to a competition. For this purpose, eleven young sailors in training at national level from Real Club Náutico de Palma, Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain (age: 13.09 ± 1.58) were analyzed during three sessions: control group, with wind, without wind. The results showed that no prior differences in reaction time (RT) were observed between the control group and the wind condition group. However, an ANOVA with the participants' average RT between no-wind condition and wind condition, and task time revealed significant results (F (1,9) =10.40, p<.01, partial η2=.53). The subjects show greater mental fatigue on windy days, which implies better results on less windy days. This is explained by their vigilance due to the inverted U, even when there is no correlation between different wind conditions and expertise, and neither between different physical conditions and age. However, as the literature shows, athletes that are mentally fatigued make more mistakes because of external and internal elements. In conclusion, on days with a higher wind intensity, sailors experience greater general fatigue, which leads to a poorer performance and a lower cognitive function. On days with little wind, sailors are less fatigued and therefore more attentive. Furthermore, all of the above is influenced by the level of the athlete.