ABSTRACT
The chapter gives an overview of current findings regarding the topic of mental fatigue in sports, which is defined as psychobiological state caused by prolonged periods of cognitive activity, and introduces the concept of mental recovery as a countermeasure for specific manifestations of mental fatigue. The role of physical recovery has been well acknowledged in both science and practice, but research should also focus on the effects of mental fatigue (e.g., lack of concentration, tiredness, lack of energy, acute decline in cognitive performance) and consequently on the effects and use of mental recovery. Mental recovery represents an important aspect in the comprehension of recovery as an umbrella term; therefore, the chapter focuses on the understanding and the components of mental recovery. We discuss the implementation of different mental recovery strategies and highlight measures and recommendations to enhance mental recovery in sports.
