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Circadian variation in sports performance
1Centre for Sport and Exercise Sciences, School of Human Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, England.
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.)
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Chronobiology reveals that sports performance, like flexibility and strength, peaks in the early evening, while cognitive tasks are best in the morning. Understanding these circadian rhythms is key for athletes.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Sports Science
- Human Performance
Background:
- Circadian rhythms are 24-hour cycles influencing physiological variables.
- While rest rhythms are endogenous, performance rhythms are harder to track due to fatigue and sleep.
- Test-retest repeatability is crucial for detecting performance rhythmicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the influence of circadian rhythms on various aspects of human sports performance.
- To identify optimal times of day for different types of athletic activities and tests.
- To investigate the impact of desynchronization (jet lag, shift work) on athletic performance.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental studies on circadian rhythms and performance.
- Analysis of time-of-day variations in flexibility, muscle strength, and power output.
- Examination of performance in cognitive, fitness, and endurance tests at different times.
Main Results:
- Most sports performance components (e.g., strength, power) peak in the early evening.
- Cognitive and some fitness tests show peak performance in the morning.
- Post-lunch dips in performance are observed, particularly in strength measures.
Conclusions:
- Athletes' performance varies significantly with the time of day, influenced by circadian rhythms.
- Further research is needed on fine motor skills, training regimen responses, and transmeridian travel effects.
- Individual differences in circadian rhythms exist, with older athletes often exhibiting 'morningness'.