The effect of diurnal rhythms on static and dynamic balance performance

Abstract Study aim: The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of different times of day on static and dynamic balance performance. Material and methods: Thirty male individuals (age 22 ± 1.2 years, BMI 23.4 ± 1.3 kg/m2, height 178.5 ± 6.52 cm) volunteered for the study. The participants performed static and dynamic balance tests at 10:00, 15:00, and 20:00. Static and dynamic balance were measured using Y Balance Test (YBT) and the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS). One-factor repeated measures ANOVA with the LSD post-hoc procedure was performed to examine balance changes in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Results: Results indicated a significant difference in static balance scores at different times of day (p < 0.05). Post-hoc analysis indicates that mean of errors in afternoon exhibits significantly smaller than those of morning (p = 0.024), and evening (p = 0.029). Other results showed significant differences in dynamic balance at different times of day (p < 0.05). Post-hoc analysis indicates that means of reaching distance in afternoon exhibits significantly larger than those of morning (p = 0.032), and evening (p = 0.026). Conclusions: The results provide strong evidence about the effect of different times of day on performance.