Circadian fluctuations in the muscular efficiency of athletes: with sleep versus sleep deprivation

The influence of time of day on muscular performance was studied. From part of the results of two different studies (EAS et EPS), the effects of sleep deprivation were appreciated. Seven times over the 24-h period, developed torque and myoelectric activity were estimated during maximal isometric voluntary contractions using an isokinetic dynamometer: elbow flexion for EAS in standardised sleep, and knee extension for EPS in complete sleep deprivation. The results showed nycthemeral changes in torque in both conditions (p < 0.005), with maximal values recorded at the beginning of night. Although during sleep deprivation (EPS) the rhythm followed neurophysiological factors, during EAS, this rhythm was accounted for by the variations in the contractile state of muscle.