After reading a scientific article on the impact of jet lag on the athletic performance of football players by Smith and colleagues [1], I wondered if a sharp change in time zones affects the results of the KHL teams.

To answer this question, we analyzed the results of 4 comparable teams playing under 3-4 time zones difference and 4 more equal teams competing under 7 time zones difference. Within the teams, there is no statistically significant difference between their standings (points earned) over the past 10 years (2013-2023).

The analysis showed that the flight from East to West, accompanied by both 3-4- and 7-time zone changes, did not negatively affect the results of the guest team (whose players have to perform at 8:00 pm-5:00 am relative to the usual time). On the one hand, this is not consistent with the peak performance hours (the best athletic results are demonstrated at 2:00 pm-8:00 pm [2]). On the other hand, it confirms the assumption of faster adaptation when traveling from East to West in comparison with flights in the opposite direction [3]. 

Western teams playing in the East face much greater difficulties, both with a 3-4-hour and 7-hour time difference. While competing at 10:00 am - 7:00 pm, they lose significantly more often. This contradicts the results of a study by Smith and colleagues [1], where a significant advantage of Western football teams over Eastern ones was demonstrated. In this regard, the problem of adapting to jet lag remains relevant.

Does your team have to perform in other time zones? How do you help the athletes speed up the adaptation process?

Thank you!