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Drole K, Pori P, Jerin A, Kren A, Paravlic AH. Anabolic/Catabolic Hormone Imbalance but Still Jumping Further? Negative Association of Free Testosterone With Jumping Performance in Elite Handball Players Following a Preparatory Period. RESEARCH QUARTERLY FOR EXERCISE AND SPORT 2024:1-7. [PMID: 38941621 DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2024.2353715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Purpose: The present study investigated the effects of a 10-week preparatory training period on biomarkers and jumping performance and associations of changes in biomarkers, load, and jumping performance from the beginning (PRE) to the end of the preparatory period (POST) in elite handball players. Methods: Seventeen elite handball players competing in the first Slovenian men's League were recruited. Training, competition and academic loads were reported weekly, while biomarkers and jumping performance were assessed at PRE and POST. Results: At POST, decreased levels of free testosterone (large effect size [ES] = -1.69, p < .001) and free testosterone to cortisol ratio [FTCR] (large ES = -.95, p = .004) were observed; whereas, better performance on the single leg lateral hop test [SLLH] (large ES = .85, p = .007) and single leg triple hop test [SLTH] (large ES = 1.05, p = .002) were observed compared to PRE. Furthermore, changes in FTCR correlated with changes in cortisol (high r = -.751, p = .001), SLLH (moderate r = -.603, p = .022), and SLTH (moderate r = -.643, p = .013), while changes in free testosterone correlated with SLTH (moderate r = -.645, p = .013). Conclusions: High intensity trainings with a saturated competition schedule can result in disturbed anabolic/catabolic hormone ratio observed through FTCR decrease, which could indicate either an optimal state or early exhaustiveness. It seems that SLLH and SLTH are more sensitive to changes in biomarkers than a single leg hop test. Sport professionals may use the results for individualized monitoring of an athlete's health and performance, specifically, as an aid for adjusting training loads accordingly to prevent performance declines and potential injury/illness events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aleš Jerin
- University of Ljubljana
- University Medical Centre Ljubljana
| | | | - Armin H Paravlic
- University of Ljubljana
- Masaryk University
- Science and Research Centre Koper, Institute for Kinesiology Research
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Rossi C, Amato A, Alesi M, Alioto A, Schiera G, Drid P, Messina G, Pagliaro A, Di Liegro I, Proia P. Hormonal and psychological influences on performance anxiety in adolescent female volleyball players: a multi-approach study. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16617. [PMID: 38390388 PMCID: PMC10883150 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The neuroendocrine system has important implications for affiliation behavior among humans and can be used to assess the correlation between social relationships, stress, and health. This can be influenced by social closeness; this aspect is the closeness towards another individual or a group of individuals such as a sports team. Sports performance anxiety is considered an unpleasant emotional reaction composed of physiological, cognitive, affective, and behavioral components. This motivates us to learn about the process that can influence the outcome of competition. Hormones and genetics would seem to influence outcome and performance. In this regard, many studies have focused on the exercise response as a function of ovarian hormones and it has been observed that progesterone is a hormone that plays a key role in reducing anxiety, and thus stress, in humans and other animals. On the other hand, high cortisol concentrations are known to contribute to increased anxiety levels. However, the salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) enzyme has been suggested as marker of acute stress than cortisol. Genetics also seem to influence anxiety and stress management as in the case of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and striatal dopamine transporter (DAT). Therefore, the study aims to investigate social closeness, as a measure of sports team cohesion that can influence athletes' performance results, and its ability to influence the secretion of hormones, such as progesterone and cortisol, that affect the management of sports anxiety while also taking into account genetic background during a volleyball match. Methods Twenty-six female volleyball players who volunteered participated in this study (mean ± SD: age, 12.07 ± 0.7 years), and played in the final of the provincial volleyball championship in Palermo. All girls were during the ovarian cycle, in detail between the follicular and early ovulatory phases. Results The results showed a significant decrease in salivary cortisol only in the winning group (p < 0.039). In fact, whilst in the latter the pre-match level was 7.7 ng/ml and then decreased to 4.5 ng/ml after the match, in the losers group change was not statistically significant (7.8 ng/ml vs 6.6 ng/ml pre- and post-match). As to the sAA concentration, the winning team showed a statistically significant variation between pre- and post-match than the losers (166.01 ± 250 U/ml vs 291.59 ± 241 U/ml) (p = 0.01). Conclusion Analyzing the results of the SAS-2 psychological test it is highlighted that, on average, the loser group was more anxious than the winning group, and this contributed to the final result. In conclusion, there is strong evidence supporting the state of the art that many factors can affect performance anxiety and thus the performance itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Rossi
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Research and Innovation, Centro Medico di Fisioterapia “Villa Sarina”, Trapani, Italy
| | - Alessandra Amato
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Science, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marianna Alesi
- Department of Psychology, Educational Sciences and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Alioto
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gabriella Schiera
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Patrik Drid
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Giulia Messina
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Andrea Pagliaro
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Italia Di Liegro
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Patrizia Proia
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Nikolovski Z, Foretić N, Vrdoljak D, Marić D, Perić M. Comparison between Match and Training Session on Biomarker Responses in Handball Players. Sports (Basel) 2023; 11:sports11040083. [PMID: 37104157 PMCID: PMC10144828 DOI: 10.3390/sports11040083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A variety of loads are placed upon an athlete in team sports (e.g., training, match, or competitions). However, the volume of the training load plays an important role in match success. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the differences in biomarker dynamics during the match and during training, and to evaluate if such training represents a good stimulus for an athlete to adapt to match stress. Ten male handball players (average age of 24.1 ± 3.17 years, body height of 1.88 ± 0.64 m, and body mass of 94.6 ± 9.6 kg) took part in this study. Their saliva cortisol, testosterone, and alpha-amylase were sampled during the match and training (sessions of 90 min duration, respectively). The results showed that cortisol had higher values after the match (0.65 µg/dL) than after training (0.32 µg/dL) (p = 0.05; ES = 0.39). Testosterone concentrations had a steeper increase during a match (65%) than after training (37%). Alpha-amylase levels did not differ significantly between the match and training (p = 0.77; ES = -0.06). Overall, the results showed that the environment of a match was more stressful for the athletes; therefore, a match provoked a stronger endocrine response in the studied markers. Therefore, we concluded that a match seemed to be a stronger trigger for all of the measured biomarker responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoran Nikolovski
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
- High Performance Sport Center, Croatian Olympic Committee, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nikola Foretić
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
- High Performance Sport Center, Croatian Olympic Committee, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dario Vrdoljak
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Dora Marić
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Mia Perić
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
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Foretić N, Nikolovski Z, Marić D, Perić R, Sekulić D. Analysis of the associations between salivary cortisol-, alpha-amylase-, and testosterone-responsiveness with the physical contact nature of team handball: a preliminary analysis. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2023; 63:170-177. [PMID: 35620955 DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.22.13963-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study evaluated endocrine responsiveness (ER) to physical stress (contact vs. non-contact nature of play) during team handball matches, according to the playing positions, thereby contextualizing the contact nature of the handball match. METHODS The participants were ten male team handball players (24.1±3.17 years, 188.2±6.42 cm, 94.6±9.6 kg) divided into two groups: contact playing positions (CPP) and non-contact playing positions (NCPP). To evaluate the ER, the salivary cortisol (C), testosterone (T), and alpha-amylase (AA) concentrations were assessed before the game, during the halftime break, and after the match. Moreover, playing time (PT) and the number of contacts (NC) were counted post-match by video analysis. To determine possible differences between PT and the NC in the first and second halves of the match, a paired-sample t-test was used. The differences among ER-measures were calculated by the magnitude-based Cohen's effect size. Possible associations between NC and ER were analyzed by comparing CPP and NCPP in C, T, and AA. RESULTS The CPP group performed significantly more physical contacts, while there was no difference in playing time between the groups. A stronger C response was evidenced in players with a longer playing time. During the game, the C response was directly determined by physical contact, with CPP players showing a stronger C response than NCPP players. CONCLUSIONS This study provided evidence of the importance of contact actions during matches and training sessions, as a parameter of calculating training loads and preparing strategies for recovery and injury prevention. Further studies examining larger samples are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Foretić
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | | | - Dora Marić
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Split, Croatia - .,Unit of Sport and Exercise Research, Department of Psychological, Pedagogical and Education Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Ratko Perić
- Department for Exercise Physiology, Ortho Sport, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Damir Sekulić
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Split, Croatia
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Glier S, Campbell A, Corr R, Pelletier‐Baldelli A, Yefimov M, Guerra C, Scott K, Murphy L, Bizzell J, Belger A. Coordination of autonomic and endocrine stress responses to the Trier Social Stress Test in adolescence. Psychophysiology 2022; 59:e14056. [PMID: 35353921 PMCID: PMC9339460 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulations in autonomic and endocrine stress responses are linked to the emergence of psychopathology in adolescence. However, most studies fail to consider the interplay between these systems giving rise to conflicting findings and a gap in understanding adolescent stress response regulation. A multisystem framework-investigation of parasympathetic (PNS), sympathetic (SNS), and hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis components and their coordination-is necessary to understand individual differences in stress response coordination which contribute to stress vulnerabilities. As the first investigation to comprehensively evaluate these three systems in adolescence, the current study employed the Trier Social Stress Test in 72 typically developing adolescents (mean age = 13) to address how PNS, SNS, and HPA stress responses are coordinated in adolescence. Hypotheses tested key predictions of the Adaptive Calibration Model (ACM) of stress response coordination. PNS and SNS responses were assessed via heart rate variability (HRV) and salivary alpha amylase (sAA) respectively. HPA responses were indexed by salivary cortisol. Analyses utilized piecewise growth curve modeling to investigate these aims. Supporting the ACM theory, there was significant hierarchical coordination between the systems such that those with low HRV had higher sAA and cortisol reactivity and those with high HRV had low-to-moderate sAA and cortisol responsivity. Our novel results reveal the necessity of studying multisystem dynamics in an integrative fashion to uncover the true mechanisms of stress response and regulation during development. Additionally, our findings support the existence of characteristic stress response profiles as predicted by the ACM model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Glier
- School of MedicineUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Alana Campbell
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
- Carolina Institute for Developmental DisabilitiesUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
- Frank Porter Graham Child Development InstituteUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Rachel Corr
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Andrea Pelletier‐Baldelli
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
- Carolina Institute for Developmental DisabilitiesUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
- Frank Porter Graham Child Development InstituteUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Mae Yefimov
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
- Frank Porter Graham Child Development InstituteUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Carina Guerra
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Kathryn Scott
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Louis Murphy
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Joshua Bizzell
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
- Carolina Institute for Developmental DisabilitiesUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
- Frank Porter Graham Child Development InstituteUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Aysenil Belger
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
- Carolina Institute for Developmental DisabilitiesUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
- Frank Porter Graham Child Development InstituteUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
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Foretić N, Nikolovski Z, Marić D, Gabrilo G, Sekulić D, Jaksić D, Drid P. Stress Levels in Handball Coaching-Case Study: Preliminary Analysis of the Differences between Training and Match. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191610251. [PMID: 36011885 PMCID: PMC9408579 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Stress plays a significant role in competitions and in the training of sports participants, and coaches are no exception. To better cope with stressful situations, close monitoring of coaches' stress levels before, during, and after training and competitions is recommended. According to studies, the use of cortisol (C) and alpha-amylase (AA) as biomarkers for monitoring acute stress is recommended. Therefore, the aim of our study was to compare HR, salivary C and AA, and STAI scores before, during, and after handball matches and training sessions. The study examined one professional handball coach, aged 37, in stress markers (salivary cortisol (C) and alpha-amylase (AA) concentrations), heart rate (HR), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores in five matches/training sessions in the First Qatar Handball League. Statistical analysis included the calculation of descriptive statistic parameters, Mann-Whitney U test for differences between match-training time points, and the effect size analysis (Cohen's d) to calculate the magnitude of differences between match-training time points. Presented markers (C and AA) had statistically stronger reactions before, during, and after the matches than the corresponding time points of the training sessions, similar to HR data and STAI scores. Results indicate that, before and during the matches, the analyzed markers of stress increased, which might lead to the conclusion that coaches are more anxious than frightened before and during matches. Thus, stress-coping strategies for handball coaches should be more focused on stress anticipation and anxiety control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Foretić
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Zoran Nikolovski
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Dora Marić
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
- Sport and Exercise Research Unit, Department of Psychological, Pedagogical and Education Sciences, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Goran Gabrilo
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Damir Sekulić
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Damjan Jaksić
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Patrik Drid
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
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Costa Y, Domingos-Gomes J, Lautenbach F, Hayes L, Nakamura F, Lima J, Castellano L, Batista G. Salivary hormone concentrations and technical-tactical performance indicators in beach volleyball: Preliminary evidence. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:830185. [PMID: 35966110 PMCID: PMC9366881 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.830185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate (i) differences in salivary testosterone and cortisol concentrations before, during, and after simulated beach volleyball match, depending on match outcome (winning vs. losing); (ii) the relationship between technical-tactical performance indicators in beach volleyball and salivary hormonal concentrations (i.e., testosterone, cortisol). We hypothesized (i) salivary testosterone concentrations would be greater in winners and salivary cortisol would be lower; (ii) testosterone would associate with positive technical-tactical performance and cortisol would associate with negative technical-tactical performance. Sixteen athletes participated in the study and were grouped according to the result of a simulated game (winners: n = 8; losers: n = 8). Salivary hormone concentration of testosterone and cortisol were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (pre-match, post first set, and post-match), and the coefficient of performance and efficiency were used as technical-tactical performance indicators. Regarding testosterone, there was a large effect size for match outcome after the first set (i.e., Winner vs. Losers) and a moderate effect size for the time in winners (pre-match vs. post-match). Regarding cortisol, there was a moderate effect size of time in losers only (pre-match vs. post-match). Moreover, cortisol pre-match was negatively correlated with the offensive performance (attack performance coefficient: r = −0.541; p = 0.030; attack efficiency: r = −0.568; p = 0.022). In conclusion, the effect of match outcome on testosterone and cortisol levels was moderate in winners and losers, respectively. Moreover, resting cortisol concentration appears to be related to a diminished attack technical-tactical performance. However, larger confirmatory studies are required to confirm these data to corroborate winning increases testosterone levels and/or reduces cortisol in a sporting setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yago Costa
- Department Physical Education, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Yago Costa
| | - Jarbas Domingos-Gomes
- Department Physical Education, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
- Jarbas Domingos-Gomes
| | - Franziska Lautenbach
- Department of Sport Psychology, Institute of Sport Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lawrence Hayes
- Institute for Clinical Exercise and Health Science, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, United Kingdom
| | - Fabio Nakamura
- Department Physical Education, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Jefferson Lima
- Technical School of Health, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Lúcio Castellano
- Technical School of Health, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Gilmário Batista
- Department Physical Education, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
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Heydari M, Zarabadipour M, Mirzadeh M, Asgari Ghonche M. Effect of competition on salivary α-amylase in taekwondo athletes. Sci Sports 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scispo.2021.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Mehrsafar AH, Moghadam Zadeh A, Jaenes Sánchez JC, Gazerani P. Competitive anxiety or Coronavirus anxiety? The psychophysiological responses of professional football players after returning to competition during the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 129:105269. [PMID: 34049198 PMCID: PMC8118697 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the relationship between competitive anxiety, fear/anxiety of COVID-19, and autonomic and endocrine stress responses in professional football players after returning to competition during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Ninety male professional football players (age: 26.33 ± 2.48 yr) volunteered to participate in this study, which included an official competition. Psychophysiological responses, including the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, and the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 Revised, were collected 30 min before the competition. In addition, salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) and salivary cortisol (sCort) were collected at 8 a.m. and 15 min before the competition. RESULTS The main findings, based on the Pearson correlation, showed significant positive correlations between COVID-19 anxiety and somatic competitive anxiety (p = 0.01), cognitive competitive anxiety (p = 0.01), and competition response of sCort and sAA (p = 0.01). Moreover, fear of COVID-19 was positively correlated with COVID-19 anxiety (p = 0.01). On the contrary, the awakening response of sCort and sAA was not found to be correlated with psychological parameters (all p > 0.05). The analysis also indicated that there was no significant correlation between self-confidence with other psychological and physiological variables (all p > 0.05). The regression analysis showed that cognitive anxiety was a relevant predictor for the competition response of sCort and sAA (p < 0.05). Moreover, COVID-19 anxiety was the only predictor of somatic and cognitive anxiety (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The present study provides the first preliminary evidence that COVID-19 anxiety and competitive anxiety might pose a negative impact on the athletic performance of professional football players during COVID-19 pandemic competitions. Thus, research is needed to build a strategy to reduce the psychophysiological stress related to COVID-19 and competition response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Hossien Mehrsafar
- Department of Sport Psychology, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran; Center for International Scientific Studies and Collaboration (CISSC), Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ali Moghadam Zadeh
- Center for International Scientific Studies and Collaboration (CISSC), Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, Tehran, Iran; Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - José Carlos Jaenes Sánchez
- Department of Social Anthropology, Basic Psychology & Health, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain; Andalusian Center of Sport Medicine, Seville, Spain.
| | - Parisa Gazerani
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Life Sciences and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway.
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