Document Types
Paper Presentation
School Code
N/A
School Name
De La Salle University Integrated School (Laguna)
Abstract/Executive Summary
Chronotypes, or the individual differences in circadian preferences, are known to influence various aspects of human functioning. In the realm of sports, understanding how these preferences may affect performance is crucial for optimizing training regimens and game strategies. This ex post facto study investigated the impact of chronotypes on athletes' performance. A cohort of baseball athletes (n=11) was assessed for their sleep-wake preferences using the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). The MEQ consists of a series of questions about sleep habits, peak alertness periods, and the preferred times for waking up and going to bed. Performance logs and baseball game evaluations for the past three months were collected. Analyses showed that the majority of the athletes have an ‘Intermediate’ chronotype. The mean performance scores across different skills—hitting (3.91), catching (4.09), throwing (3.91), and running (3.82)—suggest that the athletes’ chronotypes may have a significant impact on their performance outcomes. Additionally, findings showed that the time of day at which athletes are naturally more alert and active may influence their running performance. The result of the study emphasizes the critical role of aligning activities with an individual’s natural energy peaks, thereby optimizing sports training and in-game performances.
Keywords
chronotype; circadian preferences; ex post facto study; Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire; natural energy peaks
Start Date
13-6-2024 9:00 AM
End Date
13-6-2024 10:00 AM
Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)
Food, Nutrition, and Health (FNH)
Initial Consent for Publication
yes
Statement of Originality
yes
The Influence of Chronotypes in Baseball Athlete Performance: An Ex Post Facto Study
Chronotypes, or the individual differences in circadian preferences, are known to influence various aspects of human functioning. In the realm of sports, understanding how these preferences may affect performance is crucial for optimizing training regimens and game strategies. This ex post facto study investigated the impact of chronotypes on athletes' performance. A cohort of baseball athletes (n=11) was assessed for their sleep-wake preferences using the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). The MEQ consists of a series of questions about sleep habits, peak alertness periods, and the preferred times for waking up and going to bed. Performance logs and baseball game evaluations for the past three months were collected. Analyses showed that the majority of the athletes have an ‘Intermediate’ chronotype. The mean performance scores across different skills—hitting (3.91), catching (4.09), throwing (3.91), and running (3.82)—suggest that the athletes’ chronotypes may have a significant impact on their performance outcomes. Additionally, findings showed that the time of day at which athletes are naturally more alert and active may influence their running performance. The result of the study emphasizes the critical role of aligning activities with an individual’s natural energy peaks, thereby optimizing sports training and in-game performances.
