Effects of Consecutive Long-Haul Travel on Jet-Lag Symptoms: Case Study of a National Water Polo Team Preparing for World-Class Events

Dec 30, 2025International journal of sports physiology and performance

Jet-Lag Symptoms After Back-to-Back Long Flights in a National Water Polo Team Preparing for Major Competitions

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Abstract

Jet-lag symptoms peaked on the first day after travel, with scores of 6.7 in Athens following eastbound flights.

Symptoms decreased significantly after the first day at each destination.
Athletes reported more severe jet-lag symptoms after eastbound travel compared to westbound travel.
Scores for jet-lag symptoms in Fukuoka after eastbound travel were markedly lower at 2.2.
Responses related to sleep and mood followed a similar trend, though less clearly.
Personal characteristics such as locus of control and chronotype had little effect on jet-lag symptom severity.

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PURPOSE: To describe jet-lag symptoms in the days following 3 long-haul transmeridian travel.

METHODS: Twelve male water polo players representing a national team participated in the study. Jet-lag symptoms were assessed following travel from Athens, Greece, to Los Angeles, CA, United States (13.5 h), for participation in the FINA World Cup; from Los Angeles to Athens (13.5 h); and from Athens to Fukuoka, Japan (22.3 h), for the World Championships. The athletes were also characterized in terms of locus of control, chronotype, and circadian rigidity. Symptoms on the first 3 days at each destination were compared using a 2-way analysis of variance (day × destination). Responses were also examined to determine if player characteristics affected the severity or persistence of jet-lag symptoms.

RESULTS: Jet-lag symptoms were greatest on the first day and reduced thereafter; scores are in arbitrary units, based on responses to a validated questionnaire. In addition, jet-lag symptoms were greater in Athens after eastbound travel (6.7 [2.4]) than in Los Angeles after westbound travel (3.8 [2.1]) and yet markedly less in Fukuoka after eastbound travel (2.2 [1.6], P < .01). Responses to questions about sleep and mood demonstrated similar patterns, although patterns were not as clear-cut. Personal characteristics had little relation with responses to travel.

CONCLUSIONS: While the direction and duration of travel have been implied as important factors in the severity and persistence of jet-lag symptoms, we venture that the purpose of travel may play an important role.

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Effects of Consecutive Long-Haul Travel on Jet-Lag Symptoms: Case Study of a National Water Polo Team Preparing for World-Class Events

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