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Endocrine rhythms and sport: it is time to take time into account

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Abstract

Background

Studies of time-related biological phenomena have contributed to establishing a new scientific discipline, the chronobiology, which considers biological phenomena in relation to time. Sports activity profoundly affects the temporal organization of the organism and endocrine rhythms play a key role in the chronoorganization of individuals and are particularly important for correct physical activity. Correctly reading rhythmic hormonal variations of the human organism opens new horizons to sports medicine.

Objective

This review is aimed at clarifying the relationship between endocrine rhythms and sports activities on the basis of the latest data in the literature.

Method

Data acquisition was obtained from three databases (PubMed, Scopus and SPORTDiscus), paying particular attention to reviews, meta-analysis, original and observational studies on this issue.

Results

After the description of the general characteristics and parameters of biological rhythms, the main endocrine rhythms will be described, highlighting in particular the interrelationships with sports activity and focusing on the factors which can affect negatively their characteristics and consequently the psychophysical performances of the athletes.

Conclusion

Knowledge of this issue may allow establishing the best form of competitive or amateur activity, through the collaboration of an informed athlete and a sports physician attentive to biological rhythms. By taking into account that alteration of physiological rhythmic temporal organization can favour the onset of important diseases, including cancer, this will lead to the expected performances without impairing the correct chronoorganization of the athlete.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Unit, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Piazza L. Miraglia 2, 80138, Naples, Italy

    G. Bellastella, A. De Bellis, M. I. Maiorino, V. A. Paglionico & K. Esposito

  2. University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy

    A. Bellastella

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  1. G. Bellastella
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  2. A. De Bellis
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Bellastella, G., De Bellis, A., Maiorino, M.I. et al. Endocrine rhythms and sport: it is time to take time into account. J Endocrinol Invest 42, 1137–1147 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40618-019-01038-1

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