The impact of a truncated competition on the sleep and wellness of sub-elite netballers

BACKGROUND: Sleep and wellness outcomes have been explored in elite netball athletes, but research examining these outcomes in sub-elite athletes is lacking despite high participation rates at the sub-elite level. The aim was to investigate the impact of the scheduling of games over consecutive days during a truncated four-round netball competition on the sleep and wellness outcomes of sub-elite netballers. METHODS: A total of 12 female, sub-elite netball players were examined via sleep outcomes, stress, fatigue, mood, muscle soreness, and overall wellness on the night before, the night of, and for two nights after games during a four-round truncated competition. Linear mixed models examined changes for variables across days around game day. RESULTS: Bedtime (p = 0.038), wake time (p = 0.001), fatigue (p = 0.003), and muscle soreness (p < 0.001) differed according to game status (i.e., pre-game days, game days, and post-game days). Bedtime was later on game days compared to pre-game days, and wake-up time was later on post-game days than pre-game days. Fatigue and muscle soreness were greater the day after the game, compared to days before the game. Over the four rounds, bedtime (p = 0.027) and wake-up time (p < 0.001) tended to be later, while wellness did not change. CONCLUSIONS: These data may help guide coaching staff to plan training and travel arrangements during truncated multi-week competitions.