Effects of time-of-day and partial sleep deprivation on short-term maximal performances of judo competitors

J Strength Cond Res. 2013 Sep;27(9):2473-80. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e31827f4792.

Abstract

This study assessed the effects of partial sleep deprivation on short-term maximal performances of judokas in the morning and afternoon of the following day. In a randomized design, 12 judokas completed the maximal voluntary contraction, the handgrip, and the Wingate tests before and after a judo combat. Measurements were performed at 09:00 and 16:00 hours after a reference-normal sleep night and 2 conditions of 4-hour partial sleep deprivation timed at the beginning (SDB) or at the end of the night (SDE). The results showed that muscle power and strength were significantly higher at 16:00 than 09:00 hours (p < 0.05). These diurnal variations disappeared after SDB and SDE and after the combat. In addition, SDE resulted in significant decreases of short-term maximal performance in the afternoon (p < 0.01). In conclusion, SDE decreased muscle strength and power at 16:00 hours and, therefore, might have blunted the diurnal variations of short-term maximal exercise. Thus, early rising is more detrimental than late bedtime to muscle strength and power for judo athletes when competitions are scheduled in the afternoon hours.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Athletic Performance / physiology*
  • Circadian Rhythm / physiology
  • Hand Strength / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Martial Arts / physiology*
  • Muscle Strength / physiology
  • Sleep Deprivation / physiopathology*
  • Time Factors