psyche
Physical Fatigue
Adverse effectPhysical Fatigue is an adverse outcome in which a person feels physically tired or performs less effectively during physical activity. It may be temporary, such as fatigue reported after Ozone Therapy, or may appear as reduced performance when exercising in a fatigued state.
Physical Fatigue is considered within the psyche category, offering a focused starting point for understanding this effect.
These are research findings, not promises. Most options have little evidence, and results differ from person to person.
What can cause it
How likely each one is to cause it, most likely first.
CyclingpracticeLikely
Based on 5 studies. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
In a randomized trial of 18 people, the BFR-SIE group reported higher average perceived exertion across six sprints than the SIE group. A separate randomized trial of 10 people also found higher exertion and discomfort ratings during LI+BFR than during the other conditions.
Open the Cycling pageBreathworkpracticeLikely
Based on 2 studies. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found lower VO₂ with VF training than with exercise control among 745 people in its VO₂ analysis. A 2023 review also described worsening of symptoms such as fatigue.
Open the Breathwork pageStrength TrainingpracticePossible
Based on 4 studies. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Open the Strength Training pageHigh-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)practiceUnclear
Based on 5 studies. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A pooled analysis of randomized trials described temporary fatigue or musculoskeletal discomfort as mild, transient events. The findings came from studies involving people with conditions including type 2 diabetes, myopathy, Parkinson's disease, or stroke.
Open the High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) pageFinnish SaunapracticeUnclear
Based on 5 studies. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A 2025 pooled analysis of randomized trials found that all-out swimming performance in young swimmers and triathletes deteriorated after post-exercise sauna bathing at 80–85 °C for 3 × 8 min; overall time and first split time were slower, with an effect of 1.69%. A 2021 trial also found a greater handgrip fatigue index in heated participants during sessions.
Open the Finnish Sauna pageMobility TrainingpracticeUnclear
Based on 5 studies. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A randomized trial recorded general fatigue, and a pilot study also recorded fatigue; the findings do not specify whether fatigue increased or changed over time.
Open the Mobility Training pageFastingpracticeUnclear
Based on 4 studies. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
In a 2026 randomized controlled trial involving 28 people, fatigue was reported during Fasting Mimicking Diet cycles alongside headache, nausea, and constipation. A 2026 pilot involving 9 people described transient side effects, mostly grade 1, including fatigue and muscle weakness.
Open the Fasting pageTai ChipracticeUnclear
Based on 2 studies. Strongest study: a systematic review of studies.
A 2025 pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded described tiredness during practice; a 2022 review also mentioned ill health.
Open the Tai Chi page
The expert view shows every study, dose protocol and source.
What can cause it
Interventions reported to bring this on43 listedHighest probability
- →PracticesCyclingCertaintyHighSourceClinical5 other sources
In a randomized trial of 18 people, the BFR-SIE group reported higher average perceived exertion across six sprints than the SIE group (5.3 ± 1.9 vs. 4.9 ± 1.8; p=0.003). A separate randomized trial of 10 people also found higher exertion and discomfort ratings during LI+BFR than during the other conditions.
Who was studied
- Healthy people and patients
Open CyclingStudy result
BFR-SIE group displayed a higher average mean RPE across six sprints when compared to SIE (BFR-SIE: 5.3 ± 1.9; SIE: 4.9 ± 1.8; p=0.003)
- →PracticesBreathworkCertaintyHighSourceClinical2 other sources
A pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found lower VO₂ with VF training than with exercise control among 745 people in its VO₂ analysis (p=0.02). A 2023 review also described worsening of symptoms such as fatigue.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
Open BreathworkStudy result
VO_2 was significantly lower in VF training than the exercise control (p=0.02)
Medium probability(1)(0)(1)
- →PracticesStrength TrainingCertaintyMediumSourceClinical4 other sources
A 2026 meta-analysis reported fatigue; its pooled study designs were not recorded. Another pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found that AEL significantly impaired mean barbell velocity during the subsequent CON phase immediately after its removal (ES = -0.25, 95% CI: [-0.33, -0.16], p < 0.001), among 106 people in its barbell-velocity analysis.
Low probability(40)(2)(38)
- →PracticesHigh-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)CertaintyLowSourceClinical5 other sources
A pooled analysis of randomized trials described temporary fatigue or musculoskeletal discomfort as mild, transient events. The findings came from studies involving people with conditions including type 2 diabetes, myopathy, Parkinson's disease, or stroke.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Diabetes Type2
- Myopathy
- Parkinsons Disease
- Stroke
Open High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)Study result
mild transient events such as temporary fatigue or musculoskeletal discomfort
- →PracticesFinnish SaunaCertaintyLowSourceClinical5 other sources
A 2025 pooled analysis of randomized trials found that all-out swimming performance in young swimmers and triathletes deteriorated after post-exercise sauna bathing at 80–85 °C for 3 × 8 min; overall time and first split time were slower, with an effect of 1.69%. A 2021 trial also found a greater handgrip fatigue index in heated participants during sessions.
Who was studied
- Healthy people
Open Finnish SaunaStudy result
all-out swimming performance of young swimmers and triathletes deteriorated after post-exercise sauna bathing (80–85 °C, 3 × 8 min)... overall time and first split time were slower after the sauna bathing (interaction effect p=0.02)
- →PracticesMobility TrainingCertaintyLowSourceClinical5 other sources
A randomized trial recorded general fatigue, and a pilot study also recorded fatigue; the findings do not specify whether fatigue increased or changed over time.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Breast Cancer
- Stroke
Open Mobility TrainingStudy result
general fatigue
- →PracticesFastingCertaintyLowSourceClinical4 other sources
In a 2026 randomized controlled trial involving 28 people, fatigue was reported during Fasting Mimicking Diet cycles alongside headache, nausea, and constipation. A 2026 pilot involving 9 people described transient side effects, mostly grade 1, including fatigue and muscle weakness.
Who was studied
- Healthy people and patients
Open FastingStudy result
Fatigue, headache, nausea and constipation during FMD cycles
- →PracticesTai ChiCertaintyLowSourceClinical2 other sources
A 2025 pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded described tiredness during practice; a 2022 review also mentioned ill health.
- →PracticesSwedish (Classic) MassageCertaintyLowSourceClinical2 other sources
One randomized trial in healthy participants found worsening on VJ... tests after massage and stretching interventions (p < 0.05).
Who was studied
- Healthy people
Open Swedish (Classic) MassageStudy result
significant worsening, after massage and stretching interventions, in the VJ... tests (p < 0.05)
- →PracticesHot BathCertaintyLowSourceClinical2 other sources
In a randomized trial of 12 healthy participants, the torque fatigue index and changes in muscle contractile properties were larger after hot-water immersion than under control conditions.
Who was studied
- Healthy people
Open Hot BathStudy result
torque fatigue index and the changes in muscle contractile properties were larger after HWI than CON conditions (p < 0.05)
- →PracticesRed Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)CertaintyLowSourceClinical1 other source
A systematic review pooling randomized and non-randomized human studies reported fatigue among findings from studies involving people with Alzheimer's Disease, Anxiety Disorder (General), Depression, Low Libido, Parkinson's Disease, Schizophrenia, or Traumatic Brain Injury.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Alzheimers Disease
- Anxiety Disorder
- Depression
- Low Libido
- Parkinsons Disease
- Schizophrenia
- +1 more
Open Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)Study result
Fatigue
- →PracticesMindfulness MeditationCertaintyLowSourceClinical1 other source
An RCT involving 61 people with a clinical condition reported fatigue during exercises.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
Open Mindfulness MeditationStudy result
Fatigue during exercises
- →PracticesBox BreathingCertaintyLowSourceClinical1 other source
In a randomized trial of 40 healthy participants, perceived exertion was higher after Box Breathing (Borg 17.27 ± 1.30) than after breathing at 6 bpm (15.25 ± 1.08; p < 0.001) or spontaneous breathing (15.25 ± 1.35; p < 0.001).
Who was studied
- Healthy people
Open Box BreathingStudy result
Elevated perceived exertion (Borg 17.27 ± 1.30) vs. 6 bpm (15.25 ± 1.08; p < 0.001) and spontaneous breathing (15.25 ± 1.35; p < 0.001); Borg ANOVA η² = 0.374; Box vs Spont. Cohen's d = 1.525, Box vs 6 bpm d = 1.694
- →PracticesFoam RollingCertaintyLowSourceClinical1 other source
In a 2016 trial, the fatigue index indicated greater fatigue resistance in the CONT group than in the FR90 group.
Open Foam RollingStudy result
Fatigue index was statistically significantly greater (greater fatigue resistance) for CONT compared to FR90 (p = 0.001)
- →PracticesWim Hof Method BreathingCertaintyLowSourceClinical2 other sources
In a 2023 pilot involving 10 people with a clinical condition, FSS scores increased unfavorably and significantly. The number in the severe fatigue category rose from 2 before the intervention to 4 afterward.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
Open Wim Hof Method BreathingStudy result
The FSS showed an unfavorable and significant increase between measurements (Figure 1D). This was underscored by a shift of participants from the no fatigue (pre: N = 5 to post: N = 3) or fatigue (pre: N = 3 to post: N = 3) categories to the severe fatigue category (pre: N = 2 to post: N = 4).
- →PracticesForest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)CertaintyLowSourceReference knowledge1 other source
Walks lasting two to four hours, especially on hills or uneven ground, can leave people unaccustomed to walking physically tired for the rest of the day.
Open Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)Study result
Walks of two to four hours, often on hills or uneven ground, can leave people who are not used to walking physically tired for the rest of the day.
- →PracticesIce Bath / Cold PlungeCertaintyLowSourceReview2 other sources
A review described decreased fatigue resistance following resistance-training interventions lasting 4–12 weeks.
Who was studied
- Healthy people
Open Ice Bath / Cold PlungeStudy result
decreased fatigue resistance following resistance training intervention (4–12 weeks, respectively)
- →PracticesAcupunctureCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal2 other sources
This effect was mentioned in 11 of 191 Reddit reports discussing it.
- →PracticesThai MassageCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal2 other sources
Intense Thai massage sessions can lead to temporary physical fatigue or malaise as the body processes the therapeutic input.
- →PracticesBedtime Wind-Down RitualCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 9 of 288 Reddit reports discussing it.
- →PracticesHot YogaCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 10 of 312 Reddit reports discussing it.
- →PracticesBrain Games / PuzzlesCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 2 of 166 Reddit reports discussing it.
- →PracticesBrisk WalkingCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 5 of 235 Reddit reports discussing it.
- →PracticesCalisthenicsCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 4 of 225 Reddit reports discussing it.
- →PracticesCardioCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 2 of 52 Bluesky reports discussing it.
- →SupplementsChagaCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 3 of 229 Reddit reports discussing it.
- →PracticesChelation Therapy (Non-Medical)CertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
Patients often report fatigue after chelation sessions due to mineral depletion and detoxification reactions.
- →PracticesHatha YogaCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 2 of 279 Reddit reports discussing it.
- →PracticesInfrared SaunaCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 3 of 233 Reddit reports discussing it.
- →PracticesJump Rope TrainingCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 4 of 213 Reddit reports discussing it.
- →PracticesMassageCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 5 of 240 Reddit reports discussing it.
- →PracticesNasal Irrigation (Neti Pot)CertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 2 of 289 Reddit reports discussing it.
- →PracticesOzone TherapyCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
Transient fatigue is common after ozone therapy, possibly due to metabolic stress or immune activation.
- →PracticesPilatesCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 2 of 151 YouTube videos discussing it.
- →PracticesIndoor RowingCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 3 of 242 Reddit reports discussing it.
- →SupplementsSea Moss (Irish Moss)CertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 3 of 250 Reddit reports discussing it.
- →PracticesSwimmingCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 4 of 24 YouTube videos discussing it.
- →PracticesTabata TrainingCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 11 of 216 Reddit reports discussing it.
- →PracticesTranscendental MeditationCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 2 of 254 Reddit reports discussing it.
- →PracticesVinyasa YogaCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 2 of 312 Reddit reports discussing it.
- →PracticesYogaCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 3 of 327 Reddit reports discussing it.
- →PracticesLatin Dance FitnessCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 2 of 218 Reddit reports discussing it.
How to read the evidence
Evidence tier — overall strength of the evidence for the whole compound
- StrongWell established — backed by strong, consistent human research.
- ModerateSome genuine support, but mostly from small or lower-quality studies. Promising, not proven.
- PreliminaryEarly-stage evidence — a promising hypothesis, not an established effect yet.
- LimitedVery limited evidence — treat this as a hypothesis, not proof.
- InsufficientNot enough good evidence to draw conclusions yet.
Certainty — how sure we can be that the effect is real
- Very highVery sure — strong, consistent evidence
- HighFairly sure — consistent evidence from good studies
- MediumModerately sure — new studies could change this
- LowNot sure — little or mixed evidence
- Very lowVery unsure — almost no usable evidence
Source — where the data comes from
- Meta-analysisPooled analysis of many trials — the strongest evidence
- RCTRandomized controlled trial — a strong human study design
- ClinicalA human clinical study
- Reference knowledgeFrom general health-science or pharmacology references, not a study of this exact claim
- Animal researchStudied in animals, not humans
- Community reportsAggregated user reports — anecdotal signal, not evidence
- TheoreticalMechanism-based reasoning, not yet tested
Study grade — quality of each underlying study (A best, D weakest)
- AHigh-quality — strong, consistent human trials
- BGood — solid evidence with some limitations
- CModerate — limited, small, or mixed-quality studies
- DWeak — preliminary, indirect, or animal-only
Confidence — how strongly the sources back a finding
A 0–100 score from study quality and agreement
Most supplement evidence is graded C–D. Read it as preliminary signal, not proof.
Full write-up
What is it
Physical Fatigue is an adverse outcome in which a person feels physically tired or performs less effectively during physical activity. It may be temporary, such as fatigue reported after Ozone Therapy, or may appear as reduced performance when exercising in a fatigued state. This outcome concerns physical tiredness and reduced physical capacity; it is categorized within the psyche group.
How interventions help
These findings mainly describe interventions or situations associated with more physical fatigue, rather than approaches shown to relieve it. The pattern includes fatigue or increased tiredness reported with several interventions, including CBD (Cannabidiol), Melatonin, Ginkgo Biloba, Ashwagandha, Berberine, and Reishi. Other entries also describe fatigue, but the findings do not establish that it occurs in every person or that these interventions are intended to reduce physical fatigue.
Ozone Therapy is described differently: transient fatigue is common after treatment, possibly due to metabolic stress or immune activation. This suggests a short-term post-treatment effect rather than a change demonstrated over a longer period.
Cycling reflects fatigue as a performance state. Compared with a fresh state, performance significantly decreased with 10,1 ± 6,5% in the 20-minutes test and with 10,8 ± 7,8% in 5-minutes in fatigue state. This does not describe cycling as a treatment for fatigue; it shows how fatigue can affect performance during cycling. The findings were studied across mixed health statuses for Cycling, while the health status was not specified for the other interventions described here.
Choosing guidance
For choosing among these options, first consider what kind of evidence supports the reported association. Clinical evidence, especially when informed by randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, or meta-analyses, is generally more informative about whether fatigue was observed under study conditions than anecdotal reports, community reports, pharmacology references, pilot studies, or a case report. However, the clinical findings here are not all equally applicable: some studies involve healthy participants, some involve mixed health statuses, and many do not specify the health status studied.
The options also differ in how directly fatigue relates to the intervention. Physical activities and heat exposure may be assessed during or after exertion, while supplements and therapies may be assessed during ongoing use. The available descriptions do not provide a consistent basis for comparing how much was taken, how long it was used, or how quickly fatigue appeared, so those factors should not be inferred from the evidence categories alone.
Some findings describe temporary tiredness or fatigue during a particular context, whereas others report fatigue as an adverse effect without clarifying timing or causality. A reported association therefore does not establish that an option will cause fatigue for every person. For readers seeking the most directly relevant evidence, prioritize options studied in a health status similar to their own and give greater weight to findings supported by controlled clinical research than to isolated or self-reported observations. When studies disagree, the uncertainty should remain part of the comparison rather than being resolved by the label alone.