Abstract
The aim of this investigation was to establish if there were characteristic circadian
rhythms in peak power and mean power. Thirteen female physical education undergraduate
students, aged from 18-21 years, were measured for peak power and mean power (Wingate
Anaerobic Test) at four time points: 0300, 0900, 1500, and 2100 hours. Peak power
was defined as the highest mechanical power that is elicited during a 5-sec period
and mean power was defined as the average power that is sustained throughout a 30-s
period. A significant circadian rhythm was found for the peak power (F = 3.22, p =
0.030). The mean peak power at 1500h was about 7% higher (p<.05) than at 0300h. Also
a tendency to circadian rhythm was observed in mean power (F = 3.99, p = 0.01) being
about 16%and 15% higher respectively (p<0.05) at 1500h and 2100h than at 0300h. Based
upon the particular protocol used, it was concluded that there are characteristic
circadian rhythms in peak power and mean power.
Key words
Female - Wingate test - peak power - mean power - circadian rhythms
