Effects of travel across time zones (jet-lag) on exercise capacity and performance

Eighty-one healthy male soldiers, aged 18-34, were studied for 5 d before and 5 d after an eastward deployment across six time zones to determine the effects of translocation on exercise capacity and performance. Fatigue, weakness, headache, sleepiness, irritability, and other commonly reported symptoms occurred in the majority of subjects. Most, but not all, of the symptoms were diminished or absent by the fifth day following the translocation. Cardiorespiratory function and perception of effort during both submaximal and maximal treadmill exercise were unaffected. Isometric strength of the upper torso, legs, and trunk extensor muscles also was not changed. Dynamic strength and endurance of elbow flexors declined significantly. Dynamic knee extensor strength and endurance scores exhibited a progressive decrement prior to translocation and were inconsistent suggesting that the stress of repetitive testing outweighed any jet-lag effects on performance capacity. Performance times for a 270 m sprint were increased for the first 4 d following translocation as were times for a 2.8 km run on the second and third days and for a 110 m lift and carry on the third day after deployment. Times for a 6.5 m rope climb did not change. These findings indicate that certain symptoms and physiological capacities are affected as a result of multiple time zone translocation. However, the specific mechanisms involved, the factors influencing the magnitude of any physiological alterations, and the ultimate impact of these capacity changes on actual physical performance remain to be clarified.