EXERCISE TIMING, CIRCADIAN BIOLOGY, AND PHYSIOLOGICAL ADAPTATION: IMPLICATIONS FOR PERSONALIZED HEALTH STRATEGIES

Nguyễn Ảnh Sang 1 , , Trần Quốc Doanh 1
1 Bệnh viện Quân y 175
* Corresponding author:

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DOI
10.63947/bvtn.v2i8.13
Published
2026-06-07
Issue Vol. 2 No. 8 (2026): Geriatric Medicine in the Era of Personalization, Technology, and Prevention
Section
Review Article
Categories
Research

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1.
Ảnh Sang N, Quốc Doanh T. EXERCISE TIMING, CIRCADIAN BIOLOGY, AND PHYSIOLOGICAL ADAPTATION: IMPLICATIONS FOR PERSONALIZED HEALTH STRATEGIES. JHA [Internet]. Vietnam; 2026 Jun. 7 [cited 2026 Jun. 18];2(8):94–99. https://tcsuckhoelaohoa.vn/bvtn/article/view/187 doi: 10.63947/bvtn.v2i8.13
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Abstract

Exercise is a cornerstone of health promotion, yet current guidelines primarily emphasize frequency, intensity, and duration, with limited attention to the timing of exercise. Emerging evidence suggests that physiological responses to exercise are modulated by circadian rhythms, potentially influencing performance, metabolic outcomes, and sleep quality. Materials and methods: A narrative review was conducted using studies retrieved from PubMed and Scopus, covering the period from 1996 to 2026. A total of relevant studies, including experimental studies, observational studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, were included. Results: Physical performance, particularly muscle strength and endurance, tends to peak in the afternoon or early evening, corresponding with higher core body temperature and optimal neuromuscular function. In contrast, morning exercise, especially in the fasted state, may enhance fat oxidation and insulin sensitivity, while evening exercise may improve postprandial glycemic control. Importantly, chronotype significantly influences these responses. Conclusion: There is no universal optimal time for exercise. Instead, aligning exercise timing with individual circadian characteristics may optimize physiological benefits. Future research should focus on long-term, stratified interventions to establish personalized exercise timing recommendations.

Keywords

exercise timing chronotype metabolism sleep physical performance

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