ORIGINAL ARTICLE  EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOMECHANICS 

The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness 2017 June;57(6):752-9

DOI: 10.23736/S0022-4707.16.06323-4

Copyright © 2016 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

lingua: Inglese

Effects of one-night sleep deprivation on selective attention and isometric force in adolescent karate athletes

Ridha BEN CHEIKH ^{1, 2, 3}, Imed LATIRI ⁴, Mohamed DOGUI ^{1, 2, 3}, Helmi BEN SAAD ^{4, 5} ✉

¹ Sleep Disorders Unit, Department of Functional Exploration of the Nervous System, Sahloul University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia; ² Research Laboratory of Technology and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia; ³ Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia; ⁴ Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia; ⁵ Department of Physiology and Functional Exploration, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia

BACKGROUND: Most of the available literature related to aspects of sleep deprivation is primarily focused on memory and learning, and studies regarding its effects on selective attention and/or physical performance are scarce. Moreover, the available literature includes general population or people involved in team sports (e.g. volleyball). However, only few studies were performed on athletes involved in combat sports (e.g. karate). The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of a total one-night sleep deprivation (1NSD) on activation and inhibition processes of selective attention and on maximal isometric force in karate athletes.
METHODS: Twelve young karate athletes (mean age 16.9±0.8 years) were enrolled. The protocol consists of two successive sessions: a normal night’s sleep (NNS) and a total 1NSD. After each night, athletes performed selective attention and muscle strength tests during the same following three times (T) of the day: T1NNS or T11NSD: 8-9 a.m.; T2NNS or T21NSD: 12 a.m.-1 p.m.; T3NNS or T31NSD: 4-5 p.m. Activation (simple [SRT] and choice reaction times [CRT]) and inhibition (negative priming) processes were evaluated using Superlab v. 4.5 software (Cedrus Corporation, San Pedro, CA, USA). Maximal force and maximal force time (MFT) of brachial biceps isometric contraction were evaluated (Ergo System®, Globus, Codognè, Italy). A non-parametric test was used to evaluate the sessions (NNS vs. SND for the same time period) and time (T1NNS vs. 1NSD) effects.
RESULTS: All athletes completed all tests after a NNS. Twelve, eleven and four athletes completed all tests at T11NSD, T21NSD and T31NSD, respectively. As for sessions effects, no statistically significant difference was found. As for time effects, a significant increase in SRT at T21NSD vs. T1NNS (345±47 vs. 317±33 ms, respectively), a significant increase in MFT at T21NSD vs. T1NNS (2172±260 vs.1885±292 ms, respectively), and no significant changes in CRT and negative priming reaction time or MFT data were observed.
CONCLUSIONS: 1NSD affects both activation processes of selective attention and maximal isometric strength, two key skills in combat sports.

KEY WORDS: Sleep deprivation - Attention - Reaction time - Muscle strength - Martial arts