The effect of training at a specific time of day: a review.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review without systematic search or meta-analytic methodology.
PubMed 22531613 · doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e31825770a7
What was done
This narrative review synthesized literature examining the effects of habituated time-of-day exercise training on subsequent aerobic and anaerobic physical performance adaptations, as well as diurnal performance rhythms.
What was found
The abstract reports no numeric data, effect sizes, or statistical values. It notes that baseline anaerobic performance follows a diurnal rhythm with early morning nadirs and late afternoon peaks (aerobic data remaining equivocal). Regular morning training can elevate morning performance to or above baseline late afternoon levels, whereas regular evening training enhances afternoon performance and widens the diurnal amplitude. Adaptations are time-of-day specific, though underlying mechanistic evidence (such as resting hormone profiles) remains incomplete.
Why it matters
Athletes can schedule their training to match the anticipated time of competition to maximize performance through time-of-day-specific adaptations.
Limits
The abstract describes a narrative review without detailing search criteria, sample sizes, or quality assessment of included studies, and provides zero quantitative metrics. Specific physiological mechanisms underlying the observed adaptations remain unresolved.
Cited by
- supports Transitioning resistance training from the late afternoon or evening to the morning causes an initial drop in performance that resolves within a couple of weeks.