Snippit Sports Science

Snippit 13 ► Morning Training Improves Afternoon Performance


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This is one of many papers from Prof. Christian Cook and Co.  On many levels, these papers encapsulate the pragmatic application of sports science in the elite training environment:
 
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
Volume 17, Issue 3, May 2014, Pages 317-321
 
Morning based strength training improves afternoon physical performance in rugby union players
 
Christian J. Cook
Liam P. Kilduff
Blair T. Crewther
Martyn Beaven
Daniel J. West
 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2013.04.016
 
Abstract
 
Objectives
To determine if a morning training session could alter afternoon physical performance. Moreover, as testosterone (T) and cortisol (C) concentrations are significant predictors of physical performance, and both show circadian declines across the day, we examined the effects of morning training on diurnal T and C responses.
 
Design
Eighteen semi-professional rugby union players completed this randomised and counter-balanced study.
 
Methods
Following morning saliva collection (0900 h), players completed a control (rested), Sprint (5 × 40 m) or Weights (3 repetition-maximum [RM] bench press and squat) trial. In the afternoon (15:00 h) of each trial, a further saliva sample was collected before players completed a performance test (3RM back squat and bench press, 40 m sprint, countermovement jump [CMJ]).
 
Results
Salivary T concentrations declined from am to pm under Control and Sprint, but not under Weights. Delta T, from am to pm, was greater under Control (−10.9 ± 2.4 pg ml−1) compared to Sprints (−6.2 ± 7.1 pg ml−1) and Weights (−1.2 ± 5.5 pg ml−1) (p ≤ 0.001). Delta C, from am to pm, was greater under Control compared to both Sprint and Weights (p
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