This study provides a valuable and timely analysis of mental and physical fatigue in professional English Premier League (EPL) outfield players across a full competitive season. By systematically tracking both mental fatigue (MF) and physical fatigue (PF) using a simple visual analogue scale, the research reveals that, while group averages for MF and PF remained stable across the season, there was substantial individual variability in fatigue responses among players. This highlights the importance of individualized monitoring, as group-level assessments may mask significant player-specific trends. The study demonstrates the practical utility of easy-to-administer MF monitoring tools, which can empower coaching and medical staff to tailor training loads, recovery strategies, and educational interventions to each athlete’s needs. Given the well-established links between mental fatigue and performance, the findings underscore the relevance of integrating psychological as well as physical monitoring into elite football practice. Ultimately, this research supports a more holistic, personalized approach to athlete care, with the potential to enhance performance, wellbeing, and resilience throughout the demanding EPL season.
Key takehomes:
- Individualized monitoring of mental fatigue is crucial, as group trends can mask significant player-specific changes.
- Simple, resource-efficient tools can effectively track mental fatigue in elite football settings.
- Integrating mental fatigue monitoring supports tailored training, recovery, and education strategies, enhancing player wellbeing and performance.
Brett, A., Rhodes, D., Grimson, S., & Kiely, J. (2025). Analysis of mental and physical fatigue over the course of a professional English Premier League season in outfield players. Biology of Sport, 41(3), 239-245. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2024.133001
John Kiely is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences and the Sport and Human Performance Research Centre at the University of Limerick. Follow on X: @simplysportssci. Research Profile: ResearchGate LinkedIn
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