Background: Long-haul travel and jet lag can disrupt athletes` circadian, physiological, and performance systems, potentially impairing competition outcomes. Aim: This review aimed to examine the effects of long-haul travel on athletes` health and performance, differentiate travel fatigue from jet lag, and review mitigation strategies in aquatic sports. Methods: A systematic narrative review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for studies on jet lag, travel fatigue, and long-haul travel in aquatic athletes. Eligibility criteria included studies reporting physiological, hemodynamic, or performance outcomes in athletes of any level and sex. Data were extracted on travel characteristics, interventions, physiological and performance markers, and risk of bias. Results: A total of 12 studies were included, comprising athletes in swimming, rowing, sailing, and kite surfing. Travel distances ranged from 4 to 12 time zones, in both eastward and westward directions, although eastward travel was more frequently associated with performance decrements. Interventions reported in several studies mainly included melatonin, caffeine, light exposure, and hydration strategies. Common physiological changes included sleep disturbances (n=6), hormonal and metabolic alterations (n=2), changes in heart rate variability (n=3), and hydration-related issues (n=2). Reported travel effects included fatigue (n=6), impaired recovery (n=4), decreased physical performance (n=7), and cognitive or mood disturbances (n=3). Performance outcomes assessed included strength/power (n=4), neuromuscular performance (n=2), and sport-specific performance (n=3). In swimming, travel crossing 4 time zones showed minimal effects, whereas longer travel, especially eastward, led to sleep disruption and performance declines lasting up to 5-7 days. In rowing and sailing, fatigue and HRV alterations were most evident during the first days post-travel, with adaptation typically occurring within one week. Environmental stressors (heat, humidity) and dehydration during flights were additional factors influencing performance. Conclusion: Long-haul travel impairs sleep, recovery, and performance in aquatic athletes, with effects typically lasting up to 5-7 days and being more pronounced after eastward travel. Early post-travel periods are characterized by increased fatigue and altered heart rate variability, particularly in rowing and sailing, whereas swimming performance appears less affected after shorter travel. Evidence supports prioritizing behavioral strategies, especially sleep-wake scheduling, light exposure, and hydration, combined with early arrival and training load adjustments to accelerate adaptation and minimize performance decrements.
© Copyright 2026 XVth International Symposium on Biomechanics and Medicine in Swimming Proceedings. All rights reserved.