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Circadian rhythms in competitive sabre fencers: internal desynchronization and performance.
A Reinberg1, S Proux, J P Bartal
1E.R. de Chronobiologie Humaine, CNRS No 105, Fondation A. de Rothschild, Paris, France.
Chronobiology International
|January 1, 1985
Summary
Circadian rhythms in athletes may predict performance. While internal desynchronization was common, it did not necessarily impact health or athletic performance, suggesting chronobiologic methods are valuable for sports science.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Sports Science
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Circadian rhythms influence various physiological and psychological functions.
- Understanding these rhythms is crucial for optimizing athletic performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate circadian rhythms in elite athletes.
- To determine the relationship between circadian rhythm synchronization and athletic performance.
Main Methods:
- Studied sleep-wake cycles, fatigue, mood, temperature, and grip strength in fencers over 7-10 days.
- Utilized single cosinor and power spectrum analysis to detect circadian rhythms.
- Measured variables six times daily per subject.
Main Results:
- Circadian rhythms were detectable in less than half of the time series analyzed (46.4%).
- Internal desynchronization of rhythms was observed in most subjects.
- No significant negative impact on health or performance was linked to internal desynchronization.
Conclusions:
- Physiological synchronization of circadian rhythms may indicate good athletic performance.
- Internal desynchronization is a common phenomenon and not necessarily detrimental to health or performance.
- Chronobiologic methods can enhance the understanding of performance changes in athletes.