Peter Fowler Ph.D.
Research Scientist (Performance Recovery)
Athlete Health and Performance Research Centre
Duffield, R., Crowcroft, S., Mendham, A., Halson, S., Vaile, J., Knez, W.
INTRODUCTION 1. Long-haul travel is a frequent necessity for football players
INTRODUCTION 2. Detrimental effects of long-haul travel on performance
Disruption of
Circadian Rhythms
(Jet-Lag)
Demands of Travel
(Travel Fatigue)
Sleep Disruption
Beaumont et al. 2004
Takahashi et al. 2002
↑ fatigue + ↓ mood
Waterhouse et al. 2002
Skein et al. 2011
Illness
Schwellnus et al. 2002
↓ Physical performance
Chapman et al. 2012
Reilly et al. 2001
INTRODUCTION 2. Detrimental effects of long-haul travel on performance
Reilly et al. 2001
INTRODUCTION
3. Recovery timeline of team-sport performance?
INTRODUCTION 3. Recovery timeline of team-sport performance?
INTRODUCTION 3. Recovery timeline of team-sport performance?
2093 (2076-2110) m
AIM Effects of eastward long-haul transmeridian air travel on the
recovery timeline of physical performance for team sports.
METHODS Participants
19, healthy, physically active males
Mean ± SD
Age (y) 21.9 ± 3.6
Height (cm) 178.2 ± 6.5
Body mass (kg) 77.12 ± 7.68
YYIR1 (Level) 17.5 ± 1.4
MEQ 52 ± 8 (intermediate)
7 d
ay w
as
ho
ut
4 d
ay w
as
ho
ut
METHODS Experimental Design
21 h
WEST
8 time-zones
21 h
EAST
8 time-zones
Baseline
METHODS Experimental Procedures
1. CMJ
2. 20 m sprint
3. Agility
4. YYIR1
Statistical Analysis
• Data are presented as mean (95% CI).
• One-way ANOVA - absolute change from baseline.
• Significant effect (P<0.05) - Tukey’s post-hoc analysis performed.
• Standardised effect size (Cohen d) analysis - interpret magnitude
of differences.
RESULTS
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17:00
RESULTS
09:00
17:00
RESULTS
17:00
09:00
RESULTS
17:00
17:00
RESULTS
17:00
DISCUSSION
Physical performance specific to football reduced up
to 4 days following 21 h eastward air travel across
8 time-zones.
1. Why?
2. So what?
↓-2.5 (-3.6, -1.4)*
↑7.8 (7.0 - 8.6)*
DISCUSSION
Physical Feeling
0.8 (-0.2 - 2.4)
sRPE
5.9 (4.7 - 7.1)
Disruption of
Circadian Rhythms
(Jet-Lag)
Demands of Travel
(Travel Fatigue)
Sleep Disruption
Beaumont et al. 2004
Takahashi et al. 2002
↑ fatigue + ↓ mood
Waterhouse et al. 2002
Skein et al. 2011
Illness
Schwellnus et al. 2002
↓ Physical performance
Chapman et al. 2012
Reilly et al. 2001
DISCUSSION
DISCUSSION
Kline et al. 2007
Disruption of
Circadian Rhythms
(Jet-Lag)
Demands of Travel
(Travel Fatigue)
Sleep Disruption
Beaumont et al. 2004
Takahashi et al. 2002
↑ fatigue + ↓ mood
Waterhouse et al. 2002
Skein et al. 2011
Illness
Schwellnus et al. 2002
↓ Physical performance
Chapman et al. 2012
Reilly et al. 2001
DISCUSSION
DISCUSSION
DISCUSSION
CONCLUSION
• Physical performance specific to football reduced up
to 4 days following 21 h eastward air travel across
8 time-zones.
• Preliminary results suggest could be due to
reduced tolerance/motivation during exercise.
• Which, in turn may be a result of circadian rhythm
and/or sleep disruption.
FUTURE RESEARCH
• Elite team sport athletes as participants.
• Sport/training specific performance measures.
• Longitudinal post-travel recovery timeline.
Travel Performance Sub-max HR Actigraphy
Jet-lag & Perceptual Urine Light Exposure
7 d
ay w
ash
ou
t
4 d
ay w
ash
ou
t
Blood Saliva Sleep Hygiene
Cognitive
Function
