title: Investigation of circadian rhythms in peak power and mean power of female physical education students.
abstract: The aim of this investigation was to establish if there were characteristic circadian rhythms in peak power and mean power. Thirteen female physical education undergraduate students, aged from 18-21 years, were measured for peak power and mean power (Wingate Anaerobic Test) at four time points: 0300, 0900, 1500, and 2100 hours. Peak power was defined as the highest mechanical power that is elicited during a 5-sec period and mean power was defined as the average power that is sustained throughout a 30-s period. A significant circadian rhythm was found for the peak power (F = 3.22, p = 0.030). The mean peak power at 1500 h was about 7% higher (p < .05) than at 0300 h. Also a tendency to circadian rhythm was observed in mean power (F = 3.99, p = 0.01) being about 16% and 15% higher respectively (p < 0.05) at 1500 h and 2100 h than at 0300 h. Based upon the particular protocol used, it was concluded that there are characteristic circadian rhythms in peak power and mean power.
authors.affiliation: Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Faculty of Physical Education, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan.
authors.forename: A F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Melhim
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015308:Anaerobic Threshold; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000502:physiology; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009132:Muscles / Q000502:physiology*; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology