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Circadian rhythms in heart rate were examined at rest, immediately pre-exercise, during submaximal and maximal exercise on a cycle ergometer, and during recovery post-exercise (N = 10). Observations were made under controlled conditions at 0300, 0900, 1500, and 2100 hours. A significant circadian rhythm was found for resting heart rate lying supine and sitting pre-exercise (P less than 0.05), peak values being measured at 1500 hours. The acrophase in the oral temperature rhythm at 1739 hours was not significantly out of phase with that of resting heart rate (P greater than 0.05). The rhythm in heart rate persisted during submaximal exercise (150 W) and at the maximal rate (P less than 0.05); the amplitude of the rhythm was attenuated at maximum. Ratings of perceived exertion at submaximal and maximal exercise intensities, and time of day (P greater than 0.05). The increment of 0.2 degrees C in oral temperature during exercise did not exhibit circadian variation (P greater than 0.05). A significant rhythm was found for recovery heart rates in minutes 2, 3, 4, and 5 post-exercise (P less than 0.05). Observations of systolic and diastolic pressures pre- and post-exercise were inconclusive. Therefore, the circadian rhythm in heart rate responses to exercise should be considered when a heart rate variable is used as a criterion in fitness testing or as an index of physiological strain.
Reilly et al. (1984) studied this question.