Correlation between salivary alphaamylase, anxiety, and game records in the archery competition

Abstract

[Purpose]This study was aimed to investigate the relationship between psychological and physiological changes and performance in archery, which is strongly influenced by psychological factors including concentration, tension, anxiety, and stress.[Methods]A total of 19 athletes from women’s colleges who participated in the 30 m individual competition at the 34th President’s Cup National Archery Competition in July 2016 were included in this study. The anxiety levels of the participants were assessed on a 10-point Likert scale, with 1 corresponding to “not at all” and 10 to “extremely anxious.” Saliva samples were collected as follows: 10 min before the game (pre-10), 1 min before the game (pre-1), and 10 min after the game (post-10). Repeated measures general linear model ANOVA was performed to compare the mean values of salivary alpha amylase (sAA) concentrations and anxiety levels. The correlations between sAA, anxiety, and game records were analyzed using the Pearson’s correlation method.[Results]The sAA concentrations increased significantly in pre-1 and post-10, but not in pre-10 samples. Moreover, anxiety levels increased in both pre-1 and post-10 samples, but not in pre-10 samples. Anxiety and sAA were positively correlated (p < 0.01), while sAA and game records, or anxiety and game record were negatively correlated (p < 0.01).[Conclusion]During the archery competition, the level of cognitive anxiety increased, sAA concentrations increased, and performance decreased. The study findings suggest that during archery competitions, anxiety hinders performance, and this effect may be related to the increase in sAA levels.

Nicotine supplementation enhances simulated game performance of archery athletes

“…Our results demonstrating an increase in the HR, LF and LF/HF ratio were consistent with previous studies reporting that nicotine decreased HRV by stimulating the sympathetic adrenergic system [ 43 , 44 ] and increased HR during submaximal exercise [ 45 ], as well as increased LF/HF ratio and HR during training in athletes [ 46 ]. sAA was increased immediately after the archery test, which was in good agreement with previous studies reporting that sAA was increased 3 min before and 10 min after archery competition [ 30 ] and when sympathetic nerves were activated [ 47 ].…”

“…Furthermore, a positive correlation between sAA and the LF/HF ratio was reported as a surrogate for sympathetic tone [ 28 , 29 ]. Correlations of sAA with anxiety and game records in archery competition have been reported [ 30 ]. To supplement HRV data with a neuroendocrinological approach, sAA has attracted much attention as a biomarker of activation of the autonomic nervous system [ 27 ].…”

Whole-Body Cryotherapy: Potential to Enhance Athlete Preparation for Competition?

“…Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) has been proposed as a biomarker for stress-related changes in the body as a surrogate measure of blood catecholamine concentration (Nater and Rohleder, 2009), particularly dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine (Lim, 2016). Acute heavy resistance exercise increased blood catecholamines by an average of 270% comparing pre-post resistance training values in 10 trained men (French et al, 2007).…”

Diagnostic Value of Salivary Markers in Neuropsychiatric Disorders

“…Another parameter that is very helpful in assessing a neurotic disorder is alpha-amylase, which reflects catecholamines in the blood. Therefore, it reflects stress levels, reacting even faster than cortisol [62, 63].…”