Chronotype and body temperature: Key determinants of track and field performance in Kerala Athletes

Abstract

Athletic performance is a complex phenomenon influenced by a multitude of physiological, psychological, and environmental variables. Among these, circadian rhythms endogenous biological cycles that regulate the sleep-wake cycle and various physiological functions over a 24-hour period play a pivotal role in modulating key factors such as body temperature and physical performance. Understanding the relationship between circadian rhythms and these physiological variables is essential for optimizing training methodologies and competitive performance in athletes. Body temperature exhibits diurnal fluctuations in accordance with circadian rhythms, typically peaking in the late afternoon to early evening, a period that frequently coincides with optimal athletic performance. These variations are particularly significant for sprinters, whose performance is closely linked to neuromuscular function and metabolic efficiency, both of which are influenced by core body temperature. In Kerala, a state in southern India characterized by a tropical climate and a growing athletic community, the interaction between circadian rhythms, thermoregulation, and physical performance among sprinters presents a unique area of investigation. This study aims to examine the influence of circadian rhythms on body temperature and athletic performance in male and female athletes from Kerala, with a particular focus on potential sex-based physiological variations. By elucidating these relationships, this research seeks to advance our understanding of circadian influences on athletic performance and contribute to the development of evidence-based, gender-specific training and competition strategies. Aligning athletic schedules with individuals' biological performance peaks may enhance competitive outcomes and inform optimized training regimens for athletes in Kerala and beyond.