Energy expenditure of a cognitive task: Example of chess

摘要

Aim. - Estimate through the purely cognitive activity of chess the impact of a mental task on the cardiorespiratory system and the metabolic activity.Methods. - Eighteen chess players played a chess match (2x15 minutes). We measured continuously the heart rate (FC), the oxygen consumption (VO_2), the carbon dioxide released (VCO2), the breath frequency (FR), ventilation (VE) and tidal volume (VT). Indirect calorimetry was used to estimate the substrates oxidation and the energy expenditure. We observed in chess players a significant increase in FC, VO_2 and FR during the game. These increases are similar to those measured during low energy cost physical activities. In addition, a rapid decrease in the respiratory exchange ratio (QR) was also highlighted during this activity. Conclusion. -This cognitive task requiring a high mental effort seems to be a relevant human model to study the physiological-induced changes due to psychological stress.