Author(s): STEYN, A., MALONEY, P., PUMPA, K.L., MILLER, D.J., CLARK, B., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA, Country: AUSTRALIA, Abstract-ID: 1164

INTRODUCTION:
Research describing jet lag and travel fatigue in Para-athletes is limited. They face additional logistical and impairment specific challenges that may influence circadian resynchronisation. This study explored perceptual jet lag and travel fatigue across a transmeridian travel journey in elite Para-athletes.
METHODS:
Nine elite Para-swimmers (mean ± SD: age = 21.7 ± 3.3yr) travelled eastward from Brisbane, Australia to Indianapolis, USA, crossing 14 time zones for competition. Athletes completed subjective questionnaires assessing jet lag, chronotype, sleep habits, and sleep diaries. The study included five travel stages: pre-flight, long-haul (LH) and post-LH flight, short-haul (SH) and post-SH flight. Questionnaires were completed daily or once, depending on the item. Descriptive statistics characterised patterns and variability in jet lag and fatigue, while dynamic Bayesian network modelling explored day-to-day temporal interactions possibly influencing the daily change in jet lag.
RESULTS:
Jet lag was 2.59 ± 1.25 a.u. pre-flight, peaked the morning after LH travel (7.00 ± 1.70 a.u.), and gradually declined thereafter but remained elevated on the final day of measurement (1.00 ± 1.89 a.u.). Fatigue disturbance exhibited moderate mean changes across travel stages, peaking during LH travel (1.58 ± 2.43 a.u.) with greater variability, before stabilising thereafter. Sleep disturbance was minimal pre-flight, increased during LH flight (1.93 ± 2.27 a.u.), and returned towards baseline thereafter. Functional disturbance was elevated pre-flight (1.37 ± 1.08 a.u.), declined across travel stages, and was lowest during SH travel (-0.15 ± 0.35 a.u.). Diet and bowel movement disturbances increased slightly during LH and SH travel before trending toward pre-flight levels post SH-flight. Total sleep time was highest pre-flight (7.42 ± 1.38h), decreased during LH travel (6.07 ± 1.99h), and recovered post SH-flight (7.50 ± 1.63h). Sleep efficiency declined during LH travel (79.98 ± 15.22%) and gradually increased thereafter, peaking post SH-flight (90.73 ± 8.62%).
CONCLUSION:
Jet lag and travel fatigue recovery appears prolonged relative to theoretical circadian reintrainment estimates of 1.5 hours per day during phase delay, with noticeable inter-individual variability among elite Para-swimmers. Perceptual jet lag ratings mirror a dynamic system of interacting constructs rather than being driven by a single isolated factor. Future research assessing circadian phase and physiological markers is needed to clarify recovery timelines and mechanisms underlying this variability.