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01-05-2009 | Original Article

Salivary cortisol in top-level professional soccer players

Authors: Alexandre Moreira, Franco Arsati, Ynara Bosco de Oliveira Lima Arsati, Danilo Augusto da Silva, Vera Cavalcanti de Araújo

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 1/2009

Abstract

We have tested the hypothesis that salivary cortisol increases after a competitive training match in top-level male professional soccer players divided in team A (n = 11) versus team B (n = 11). Saliva samples collected before and after the match were analyzed. Salivary cortisol concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results from a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures showed no significant changes in salivary cortisol between either teams or time points (P > 0.05). Further investigation regarding competitive matches in a competition environment is warranted. In summary, the influence of intensive competitive training match alone appears to be minimal on salivary cortisol changes in top-level soccer adapted to this type of stress. From a practical application, the variability of the responses among the players leads us to suggest that there is a need to individually analyse the results with team sports.

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Title: Salivary cortisol in top-level professional soccer players
Authors: Alexandre Moreira
Franco Arsati
Ynara Bosco de Oliveira Lima Arsati
Danilo Augusto da Silva
Vera Cavalcanti de Araújo
Publication date: 01-05-2009
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 1/2009
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-009-0984-y

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Salivary cortisol in top-level professional soccer players

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