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Sport Sciences for Health

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30-03-2023 | Anxiety | Research

Effect of 6-week combined training on salivary cortisol levels, total Olympic lifting performance and anxiety levels in elite male Olympic weightlifters

Authors: Mohammad Faizan, Ashok Ahuja, Sumbul Ansari, Saurabh Sharma, Kenjom Ngomdir, Md Farhan Alam

Published in: Sport Sciences for Health | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Background

Weightlifting is one of the Olympic sports. Stress and anxiety are highly prevalent in sports and higher stress and anxiety levels seem to affect performance. There are several training methods used to enhance performance. However, there seems to be a scarcity of studies regarding the effect of training on psycho-physiological measures of performance.

Aim

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of a combined high- and low-volume training program on the levels of salivary cortisol, maximum total Olympic lift performance (sum of snatch, and clean and jerk), and anxiety levels (somatic anxiety, cognitive anxiety, and self-confidence).

Methods

Twelve elite male Olympic weightlifters underwent a 6-week training protocol and levels of salivary cortisol, maximum total Olympic lift performance, and anxiety levels were assessed at baseline, mid-intervention (3rd week), and post-intervention (6th week). Appropriate statistical tests were utilized for data analysis.

Results

Results showed a significant effect of training on salivary cortisol level, total Olympic lifting performance, and somatic anxiety from baseline to the mid of training (p < 0.01) and also from mid of training to post-training (p < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference in cognitive anxiety and self-confidence level from baseline to the mid of training to post-training (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

A combined high- and low-volume training program of 6 weeks tends to decrease anxiety and improves the total Olympic weightlifting performance and salivary cortisol levels in elite Olympic weightlifters. This information may be utilized in the training of weightlifters to enhance performance, targeting the psycho-physiological components.

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Title: Effect of 6-week combined training on salivary cortisol levels, total Olympic lifting performance and anxiety levels in elite male Olympic weightlifters
Authors: Mohammad Faizan
Ashok Ahuja
Sumbul Ansari
Saurabh Sharma
Kenjom Ngomdir
Md Farhan Alam
Publication date: 30-03-2023
Publisher: Springer Milan
Keyword: Anxiety
Published in: Sport Sciences for Health / Issue 1/2024
Print ISSN: 1824-7490
Electronic ISSN: 1825-1234
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-023-01064-w

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Effect of 6-week combined training on salivary cortisol levels, total Olympic lifting performance and anxiety levels in elite male Olympic weightlifters

Abstract

Background

Aim

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Aim

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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