Vol. 4, Issue 1, Part A (2022)

Athletic performance is governed by a complex interaction of physiological, psychological, and environmental factors, among which circadian rhythm plays a pivotal role. This internal biological clock regulates core body functions, including fluctuations in body temperature and physical capacity, over a 24-hour cycle. Notably, body temperature-often peaking in the late afternoon-has been positively correlated with enhanced muscle function and metabolic efficiency, critical components of sprint performance. This study investigates the influence of circadian rhythms on body temperature and physical performance among male and female sprinters in Kerala, a region characterized by its tropical climate and growing athletic prominence. By examining diurnal variations and potential gender-based differences, the research aims to uncover time-of-day effects on sprint-specific performance metrics. The findings may offer practical insights into optimizing training schedules and competitive strategies, tailored to the individual circadian profiles of athletes.