Time-on-task induced mental fatigue was associated with decreased activity in the cognitive control network and increased activity in parts of the default mode network across 13 meta-analyzed studies.
Meta-Analysis
How does mental fatigue due to time-on-task alter brain activity in functional neuroimaging studies?
State mental fatigue due to time-on-task is associated with decreased activity in the cognitive control network and increased activity in the default mode network.
Sustained performance of cognitive tasks could lead to the development of state mental fatigue characterized by subjective sensation of mental weariness and decrease in cognitive performance. In addition to the occupational hazards associated with mental fatigue, it can also affect physical performance reducing endurance, balance, and sport-specific technical skills. Similarly, mental fatigue is a common symptom in certain chronic health conditions such as multiple sclerosis affecting quality of life of the patients. Despite its widely acknowledged negative impact, the neural mechanisms underlining this phenomenon are still not fully understood. We conducted a systematic review and activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analysis of functional neuroimaging studies investigating the effect of mental fatigue due to time-on-task (TOT) on brain activity to elucidate the possible underlying mechanisms. Studies were included if they examined change in brain activity induced by experimental mental fatigue (TOT effect) or investigated the relationship between brain activity and subjective mental fatigue due to TOT. A total of 33 studies met the review's inclusion criteria, 13 of which were included in meta-analyses. Results of the meta-analyses revealed a decrease in activity with TOT in brain areas that constitute the cognitive control network. Additionally, an increased activity with TOT, as well as negative relationship with subjective mental fatigue was found in parts of the default mode network of the brain. The changes in cognitive control and the default mode networks of the brain due to state mental fatigue observed in this study were discussed in relation to the existing theories of mental fatigue.
Salihu et al. (Tue,) conducted a meta-analysis in State mental fatigue. Time-on-task (TOT) induced mental fatigue was evaluated on Change in brain activity. Time-on-task induced mental fatigue was associated with decreased activity in the cognitive control network and increased activity in parts of the default mode network across 13 meta-analyzed studies.