How mental fatigue impairs marksmanship decision performance and psychophysiological responses

This study investigated the effects of mental fatigue on marksmanship shooting performance and psychophysiological responses. Ten participants (age = 27.00 ± 4.03 years) working in security services participated voluntarily in this study. Anthropometric measurements were performed prior to measurements. The study was conducted in two sessions: a) shooting performance after a mental fatigue intervention, and b) a control session. During the sessions, the participants fired ten shots from a distance of 8 m with their regular weapons. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE), enjoyment, and visual analogue scale (VAS) were completed during the shooting sessions. The Brunel Mood Scale was completed before and after the shots. The findings of the present study showed that mental fatigue increased the perceived difficulty and mental fatigue level during shooting but decreased perceived enjoyment (p<0.05). Based on the mood responses, an increase in the moods of tension after mental fatigue was observed in the group*time interaction, while no statistically significant difference was found in the moods of anger, depression, fatigue, confusion and vigour (p<0.05). According to the results of this study, mental fatigue significantly affects marksmanship. Mental fatigue can hinder shooting performance by making the activity feel more difficult, affecting mood, motivation, and focus, and negatively affecting decision-making. It can be argued that performance can be improved by managing mental fatigue and optimising shooting experience through practices that enhance mental recovery.