Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part A (2024)

Athletic performance is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by various physiological, psychological, and environmental factors. Among these, circadian rhythm a natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and repeats roughly every 24 hours plays a critical role in modulating body functions, including body temperature and physical performance. Understanding how circadian rhythms impact these factors can provide valuable insights into optimizing training and performance strategies for athletes.
Body temperature, which fluctuates throughout the day in accordance with circadian rhythms, has been shown to correlate with athletic performance. Typically, body temperature peaks in the late afternoon and early evening, which often coincides with peak physical performance. These variations are particularly relevant for sprinters, whose performances are highly dependent on muscle function and metabolic efficiency, both of which are influenced by body temperature.
In Kerala, a state in southern India known for its tropical climate and a burgeoning athletic community, the interplay between circadian rhythms, body temperature, and physical performance among sprinters presents a unique field of study. This research aims to investigate the influence of circadian rhythms on body temperature and physical performance in male and female athletes from Kerala, exploring potential gender differences in these physiological patterns.
By examining these relationships, we can enhance our understanding of how circadian rhythms impact athletic performance and potentially develop gender-specific training and competition schedules that align with athletes' biological peaks. This could lead to improved performance outcomes and more effective training regimens for the athletes in Kerala and beyond.