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Circadian rhythms in exercise performance: implications for hormonal and muscular adaptation
Weipeng Teo1, Michael J Newton, Michael R McGuigan
1School of Exercise, Biomedical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University , Joondalup, Western Australia.
Journal of Sports Science & Medicine
|October 24, 2013
Summary
Physical performance exhibits a circadian rhythm (CR), peaking with core body temperature. While hormones like testosterone and cortisol also follow a CR, their direct link to neuromuscular adaptations remains unclear.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Sports Science
Background:
- Circadian rhythms (CR) govern most human physiological and biochemical processes, influencing daily cycles like sleep-wake patterns.
- Neuromuscular performance demonstrates a distinct CR, with peak performance often observed in the early evening, correlating with core body temperature.
- Steroidal hormones, including testosterone (anabolic) and cortisol (catabolic), exhibit their own CRs, prompting investigation into their relationship with muscular performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effects of circadian rhythms on physical performance and training implications.
- To examine the impact of muscular performance on the circadian rhythm of hormonal responses.
- To explore whether variations in testosterone and cortisol could benefit muscular adaptation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating circadian rhythms in physiological and performance metrics.
- Analysis of research on the relationship between core body temperature, hormonal fluctuations (testosterone, cortisol), and exercise performance.
- Synthesis of evidence regarding the potential influence of hormonal circadian rhythms on neuromuscular adaptations.
Main Results:
- A clear circadian rhythm is evident in physical performance, strongly associated with core body temperature rhythms.
- Both testosterone and cortisol display distinct circadian rhythms, but current evidence does not establish a clear relationship with neuromuscular adaptations.
- While testosterone can influence physical performance variables at specific times, it does not appear to alter the overall circadian profile of testosterone and cortisol.
Conclusions:
- Circadian rhythms significantly impact physical performance, primarily linked to core body temperature fluctuations.
- The direct causal link between the circadian rhythms of testosterone and cortisol and specific neuromuscular adaptations requires further investigation.
- Understanding circadian rhythms is crucial for optimizing training strategies and potentially enhancing muscular adaptation.
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