The Effects of Central and Peripheral Fatigues on Depth Perception Error

This study aimed to investigate the effects of peripheral and central fatigues on depth perception error in students. The statistical population consisted of students in Khodabande city. 42 subjects (mean age of 16.88 ± 0.49 years) were selected by convenience sampling method. All subjects took depth perception pretest. Then, they were divided into the intervention and control groups. To produce peripheral fatigue (physical), the first group received physical fitness activity and the second group received mental activity to produce central (mental) fatigue. The third group did not perform any activity during the intervention period. The depth perception posttest was performed after the fatigue intervention. The results of one-way analysis of variance showed no significant differences in the pretest among the groups, but there was a significant difference in the posttest among the groups. LSD post hoc test results showed that central fatigue increased depth perception error in comparison with peripheral fatigue and no intervention (control group). But no significant differences were observed in depth perception error between peripheral fatigue and control groups. Paired t test results showed an increase in depth perception errors resulted from both types of fatigue and the lack of change in the control group. Overall, it can be concluded that central fatigue had an effective role in increasing students' depth perception error when compared to peripheral error. Therefore, coaches are advised to adopt appropriate conditions that reduce central fatigue.