Abstract

Observations were made every 4 h on 2 teams during 91 h 45 min of 5-a-side soccer to investigate stresses on players. Variables monitored were subjectivefatigue, state anxiety, grip strength, heart rate, activity, urine protein concentration and liquid intake. Circadian functions were identified in all variables except protein urine as well as significant intercorrelations. Periodicities were consistent with arousal theory with throughs at about 05000600 h and crests at 1800 h to 2100 h. Group mean anxiety values increased between days as play was prolonged whilst significant decrements were found inactivity, exercise heart rate and urine protein. Mean heart rate for the duration of play was 98 ( - S.D. = 10) beatsmin and the work severity was considered light. Behavioural abnormalities as found by other investigators in chronically sleep deprived subjects were common during the final two nights. Verf.-Referat