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Published on: August 8, 2019
Collegiate rowing crew performance varies by morningness-eveningness
Frederick M Brown1, Evan E Neft, Cynthia M LaJambe
1Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA. f3b@psu.edu
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|November 4, 2008
Summary
Morningness-eveningness chronotype influences athletic performance. Morning-preferring athletes excel in the morning, while evening-preferring athletes show no difference, suggesting training schedules can mitigate circadian effects.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Chronobiology
- Human Performance
Background:
- Adolescents and young adults exhibit a developmental shift towards evening activity.
- Individual differences in morningness-eveningness (M-E) chronotypes can impact daily performance rhythms.
- Understanding chronotype may optimize athletic training and performance timing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of M-E chronotype on athletic performance at different times of day.
- To determine if chronotype modifies circadian effects in young athletes.
- To assess the impact of consistent training schedules on performance timing.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated M-E chronotype using standard self-rating scales in 16 university athletes.
- Measured 2000-m ergometer rowing performance and standing broad jump in early morning and late afternoon.
- Employed a randomized, counterbalanced design with separate testing sessions.
Main Results:
- Morning-preferring (M-type) athletes performed significantly faster in rowing during the morning.
- Evening-preferring (E-type) and intermediate (N-type) athletes showed no significant difference in rowing performance between morning and afternoon.
- No consistent time-of-day or chronotype effect was observed for the standing broad jump.
Conclusions:
- Basic performance timing in young athletes is influenced by inherent M-E predispositions.
- Routine training at consistent times may help athletes overcome natural circadian performance fluctuations.
- Athletes can leverage knowledge of their chronotype to tailor training schedules for enhanced performance.
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