Research analyse of potential circadian aspects in boxing

Abstract

There are given in the presented paper outputs of five years long
term basic research of the circadian determinants influence on
athlete´s performance in the framework of the Czech – Japan joint
project W/VSP/161/I. In the paper we present the focus on circadian
determinants, which can be important for performance in sport
discipline boxing, e.g. on the circadian preferences and habits of
boxers in Czech Republic. The main objective of the investigation
was to analyse circadian preferences and habits of boxers in context
of professional/amateur boxing. The partial goal was to analyse
differences between professional and amateur performance of male
boxers. In total 91 Czech boxers (37 professional boxers, 54
amateur boxers), in age interval 21- 35 year old, median 26.2 years
old, participated in the investigation procedure. The diagnostic
method Questionnaire of Circadian Typology “CIT” for adults
(Harada, Krejčí - Czech version, 2010) was used. The statistical
methods included One-way non-parametric ANOVA SPSS, with
using Fisher Exact Test and Mann–Whitney U test. Results
demonstrate from the view of chronotype that professional boxers
are more evening typed than amateur boxers. Significant differences
in the marker “Difficulty fall asleep” were found between professional
and amateur boxers. Spent time in night in front of blue light in
monitors and displays negatively influenced quality of sleep.
Professional boxers tend to adhere to regular eating habits in
comparison with amateur boxers. In professional boxers were
analysed higher levels of psychological stability and self-control than
in amateur boxers. Conclusions presented in the paper can serve
background material, for example, to set up an appropriate
intervention program for boxers, whether professional or amateur
boxers. Especially is advisable to recommend to boxers to avoid blue
light sources in the night before falling asleep, because guides to
prolong the sleep cycle and reduce the quality of slee.