The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between mental fatigue induced by a demanding cognitive task and impaired physical performance in endurance due to a higher perception of effort. A total of 12 healthy adults and volunteers, who had previously practiced endurance activities for 4 to 8 h per week, performed a one-hour cognitive task involving either the process of response inhibition (Stroop task) or not (visualization of a documentary as control task), then 20 min of pedaling on a cycle ergometer at a constant perception of effort while cardio-respiratory and neuromuscular functions were measured. The Stroop task induces subjective feelings of mental fatigue (vigor: 3.92 ± 2.61; subjective workload: 58.61 ± 14.57) compared to the control task (vigor: 5.67 ± 3.26; p = 0.04; subjective workload: 32.5 ± 10.1; p = 0.005). This fatigue did not act on the produced perceived effort, self-imposed, and did not affect the cardio-respiratory or neuromuscular functions during the subsequent physical task whose type was medium-term endurance. Regardless of the mental condition, the intensity of physical effort is better controlled when the participants in physical activity control their perception of effort. Mental fatigue does not affect subsequent physical performance but estimated perceived exertion, which increases with the intensity and duration of the exercise.

The objective of the study was the translation and adaptation into Arabic language of the Questionnaire on Teacher Interaction and the examination of psychometric properties among students in Tunisia. A set of students (N = 778) were recruited to complete a translated, Arabic version of the Teacher Interaction Questionnaire (AQTI). The subjects represented both female and male with an average age of 15.98 ± 2.17 years. The subjects were divided into exploratory (N = 226) and confirmatory (N = 552) samples. For the exploratory sample, the female sex represented 46.90% and the male 53.10% (N = 120). Likewise, the confirmatory sample consisted of females (48.01%) and males (51.99%). The scale designed in Arabic AQTI presented eight components for exploratory factor analysis. The result was a first factorial solution, which kept these eight components of the predetermined instrument. The confirmatory factor analysis provided good fit indices. Similar results for instrument reliability were confirmed for all dimensions, through good Cronbach’s coefficient, which were superior to 0.80. The Arabic version of AQTI is valid and reliable and can be administered to assess teacher/student interactions in Tunisia. However, further research needs to examine the construct validity of the instrument.

Small-sided games (SSGs) are widely used in soccer training to simultaneously develop technical, tactical, and physical abilities. Session structure, particularly duration and distribution (continuous vs intermittent), represents a key programming variable that may influence players’ mood, technical performance, and physiological responses. However, the specific effects of different SSG formats remain insufficiently clarified. This study aimed to examine how varying bout configurations (1 × 12 min, 2 × 6 min, and 3 × 4 min) during 4 vs 4 SSGs affect mood states, technical–tactical performance, and physiological responses in male soccer players. Twenty male semiprofessional soccer players (age: 20.7 ± 0.7 years) completed 3 SSG formats performed on separate occasions: 1 × 12 min, 2 × 6 min, and 3 × 4 min. Mood was assessed pre- and post-session using the Profile of Mood States questionnaire. Physiological responses included percentage of maximal heart rate (%HRmax), blood lactate concentration ([La]), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Technical–tactical variables were analyzed through systematic video-based performance assessment. The 12-minute continuous SSGs significantly improved mood, evidenced by reductions in depression, confusion, tension, anger, and total mood disturbance, although fatigue increased post-session. In contrast, the 2 × 6 min format led to increases in depression and anger, while the 3 × 4 min format showed no significant mood changes. Technical–tactical performance was superior during the 12-minute condition, with higher passing accuracy, greater tackle success, and fewer turnovers compared to intermittent formats. Physiologically, the continuous 12-minute SSGs elicited higher %HRmax and rating of perceived exertion values than both intermittent conditions, as well as slightly higher blood lactate concentrations compared to the 3 × 4 min format. A continuous 12-minute 4 vs 4 SSGs appears to provide the most effective integrated training stimulus, enhancing mood regulation, technical–tactical performance, and physiological load. These findings suggest that uninterrupted SSG formats may better simulate match demands and support optimal psychophysiological adaptations in semiprofessional soccer players.