Identification of chronotype and diurnal performance

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare the chronotype and diurnal
performance from the point of view of explosive leg – muscle
strength of lower limbs. The experimental sample consisted of
female and male university students (n = 18) attending various study
programmes and study fields at faculties of Matej Bel university in
Banská Bystrica during the academic year 2014/2015. The
chronotype was identified and assessed by standardised
chronotype´s questionnaire (Horne & Ostberg, 1976). The parameter
of the diurnal performance (the morning and the evening
performance) was the explosive leg – muscle strength of lower limbs.
Variations of explosive leg – muscle strength of lower limbs were
detected by the vertical jump –countermovement jump (CMJ) by the
device Myotest PRO (Myotest, Switzerland). The morning and the
evening performance were evaluated as the mean performance of
five morning and five evening measurements which were realized
during the week. The significant difference in diurnal performance
was not detected in the sample (p < 0.05). The results of the
chronotype´s questionnaire showed that 13 probands tended to be
the intermediate chronotype (n = 13), moderate morning chronotype
was identified in three probands (n = 3) and the moderate evening
chronotype was identified in two probands (n = 2). Definitely morning
and definitely evening chronotype were not identified.