Circadian Regulation for Optimizing Sport and Exercise Performance

This narrative review explores the intricate relationship between circadian regulation and exercise performance, emphasizing the importance of aligning training strategies with the body’s natural physiological fluctuations. The three key mechanisms investigated are temperature, hormonal fluctuations...

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Main Authors: Garrett R. Augsburger, Eric J. Sobolewski, Guillermo Escalante, Austin J. Graybeal
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Clocks & Sleep
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2624-5175/7/2/18
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author Garrett R. Augsburger
Eric J. Sobolewski
Guillermo Escalante
Austin J. Graybeal
author_facet Garrett R. Augsburger
Eric J. Sobolewski
Guillermo Escalante
Austin J. Graybeal
author_sort Garrett R. Augsburger
collection DOAJ
description This narrative review explores the intricate relationship between circadian regulation and exercise performance, emphasizing the importance of aligning training strategies with the body’s natural physiological fluctuations. The three key mechanisms investigated are temperature, hormonal fluctuations, and diurnal chronotype—an individuals’ exhibition of enhanced physical or cognitive performance at specific times of day. Core body temperature variations impact exercise performance, suggesting strategic workout timing and intensity adjustments. Hormonal patterns (i.e., insulin, cortisol, testosterone) influence energy metabolism and muscle growth, informing tailored training plans. Diurnal chronotypes significantly affect performance, advocating for personalized training sessions based on individual preferences and entrained awakening. Integrating circadian mechanisms into training offers strategic advantages, guiding practitioners to design effective, personalized regimens, though we acknowledge relevant challenges and the need for further research.
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series Clocks & Sleep
spelling doaj-art-1631a5e350bd473d9dfad89b8ea020db2025-08-20T03:26:20ZengMDPI AGClocks & Sleep2624-51752025-04-01721810.3390/clockssleep7020018Circadian Regulation for Optimizing Sport and Exercise PerformanceGarrett R. Augsburger0Eric J. Sobolewski1Guillermo Escalante2Austin J. Graybeal3Department of Kinesiology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USADepartment of Health Sciences, Furman University, Greenville, SC 29613, USADepartment of Kinesiology, California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA 92407, USASchool of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39402, USAThis narrative review explores the intricate relationship between circadian regulation and exercise performance, emphasizing the importance of aligning training strategies with the body’s natural physiological fluctuations. The three key mechanisms investigated are temperature, hormonal fluctuations, and diurnal chronotype—an individuals’ exhibition of enhanced physical or cognitive performance at specific times of day. Core body temperature variations impact exercise performance, suggesting strategic workout timing and intensity adjustments. Hormonal patterns (i.e., insulin, cortisol, testosterone) influence energy metabolism and muscle growth, informing tailored training plans. Diurnal chronotypes significantly affect performance, advocating for personalized training sessions based on individual preferences and entrained awakening. Integrating circadian mechanisms into training offers strategic advantages, guiding practitioners to design effective, personalized regimens, though we acknowledge relevant challenges and the need for further research.https://www.mdpi.com/2624-5175/7/2/18circadian rhythmdiurnaltime of daymuscle performancetime zonechronotype
spellingShingle Garrett R. Augsburger
Eric J. Sobolewski
Guillermo Escalante
Austin J. Graybeal
Circadian Regulation for Optimizing Sport and Exercise Performance
Clocks & Sleep
circadian rhythm
diurnal
time of day
muscle performance
time zone
chronotype
title Circadian Regulation for Optimizing Sport and Exercise Performance
title_full Circadian Regulation for Optimizing Sport and Exercise Performance
title_fullStr Circadian Regulation for Optimizing Sport and Exercise Performance
title_full_unstemmed Circadian Regulation for Optimizing Sport and Exercise Performance
title_short Circadian Regulation for Optimizing Sport and Exercise Performance
title_sort circadian regulation for optimizing sport and exercise performance
topic circadian rhythm
diurnal
time of day
muscle performance
time zone
chronotype
url https://www.mdpi.com/2624-5175/7/2/18
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