Addressing Circadian Disruptions in Visually Impaired Paralympic Athletes

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Chronobiology
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Transmeridian travel is prevalent for elite athletes, often causing circadian misalignment (jet lag).
• Jet lag negatively impacts athletic performance and health due to desynchronization of the internal biological clock.
• Current jet lag management primarily relies on light-based interventions to realign the internal clock with the destination's light-dark cycle.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore alternative jet lag management strategies for visually impaired (VI) athletes.
• To address the limitations of light-based interventions in VI athletes lacking photoreceptiveness.
• To provide recommendations for optimizing athletic performance in VI athletes experiencing jet lag.

Main Methods:

• This commentary reviews existing literature on circadian rhythm regulation and jet lag management.
• It analyzes the efficacy of light-based interventions for athletes with varying degrees of visual impairment.
• It proposes non-photic strategies and adjunctive therapies for VI athletes.

Main Results:

• VI athletes with residual light perception may still benefit from light interventions.
• VI athletes without light perception require alternative strategies for circadian entrainment.
• Behavioral adjustments (meal timing, exercise) and melatonin supplementation are viable alternatives.

Conclusions:

• Visually impaired athletes lacking light perception should utilize gradual behavioral shifts for circadian entrainment.
• Melatonin supplementation can be a useful intervention during and after travel.
• Athlete guides should implement synchronized phase-shifting strategies to aid VI athletes in managing jet lag and enhancing performance.