Capturing effort and recovery: reactive and recuperative cortisol responses to competition in well-trained rowers

Abstract

Background/aimIt is well known that physical strain is associated with increased cortisol production. And although mental stress elevates cortisol concentrations as well, little is known of the independent and/or combined effects of both on the secretion of cortisol. Aim of the study was to investigate the day-to-day cortisol dynamics associated with training, performance and recuperation and the immediate responses to mental stress and physical endurance under competitive conditions.MethodsSixteen freshmen competitive male rowers were prospectively followed from Thursday to Tuesday with an intermediate competition on Saturday and Sunday. On all days, three saliva samples were collected within 30 min after awakening to assess the cortisol awakening rise (CAR). Additionally, five saliva samples were collected previously to and immediately after all races during the regatta weekend.ResultsCAR values peaked during competition days and recovered during the 2 days after. Cortisol concentrations significantly increased during and after all races. Furthermore, although response patterns did not differ, the morning races showed significantly higher cortisol levels compared with the levels measured during the afternoon races. This likely reflects the normal diurnal rhythm of corticosteroids.ConclusionsThese results indicate that cortisol levels of athletes might be sensitive for both immediate responses to competition and, in case of CAR, (midterm) recovery phasing. Consequently, monitoring cortisol responses during training and competition may provide valuable information regarding how athletes cope with competition-induced stress and their recovery status during the days following. This insight might help to plan future training loads and recovery.

Testosterone:cortisol ratio as a predictor of podium in adolescent rowing athletes

“…On the other hand, pre-competition levels of cortisol were similar in the two settings, showing a little decrease that was independent of the time of the day, considering that in both cases the races have been performed in the morning, so the time of the day has not an influence on these values. These same hormonal values, measured in saliva samples, were already observed in a previous work that compared the levels of cortisol in light and heavy-weight rowers in a day of competition and during the week of the race [ 10 ].…”

“…The anticipatory stress, also known as CAR (Cortisol Awakening Response) combines characteristics of a reactivity index (the starting of a new day) with the circadian cycle (it repeats every day at the same time), providing information regarding the HPA reactivity of subjects to psychosocial, cognitive and health-related stressors [ 9 ]. In rowers has been noted a differential response to mental and physical stressors, probably related to the type of performance which is highly demanding either in terms of technical skills and muscular efforts, involving the explosive force together with the resistance [ 10 ].…”

Immune and Hormonal Response to High-intensity Exercise During Orienteering

“…Athletes are constantly exposed to a wide range of stressors. The daily training load, intensity and duration of resistance exercise are some of the main sources of physiological stress [11]. In addition, in official competitions, they are subjected to a wide range of psychological stressors, such as pressure to achieve good results, an unpredictable environment and the importance of the event [12].…”

Caracterização das adaptações fisiológicas em atletas induzidas pelo esporte de orientação em parâmetros bioquímicos e hematológicos

“…Os atletas estão constantemente expostos a uma ampla gama de estressores. A carga diária de treinamento, intensidade e duração do exercício de resistência são algumas das principais fontes de estresse fisiológico em atletas (MOREIRA et al, 2013;KALLEN et al, 2017). Além disso, em competições oficiais, os atletas são submetidos a uma ampla gama de estressores psicológicos, como pressão para alcançar bons resultados, ambiente imprevisível relacionado a campeonatos oficiais e a importância desse campeonato para o atleta (MOREIRA et al, 2013).…”