The Psychophysiologic Stress and Salivary Cortisol and Alpha-Amylase Awakening Responses to Cross-Country Running Competitions in National-Level Female Athletes
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Journal of Strength and Conditioning
Abstract
Cross-country running, characterized by diverse terrains and environmental conditions, primarily emphasizes individual performance, though team-oriented strategies are also utilized. This study aimed to examine psychophysiological stress, anxiety, and race performance of elite female athletes during national cross-country running competitions. Twelve elite-level female cross-country runners were recruited to undergo psychophysiological state using salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase levels (pre-and post-race) across two consecutive rounds of varying difficulty and significance (round 1 and final round). Additionally, cortisol and alpha-amylase awakening responses (CAR and AAAR), as well as state anxiety (State and Trait Anxiety Inventory-I) were assessed on both pre-competition and competition days during each round. The findings revealed significant increases in pre-competition day AAAR, pre-and post-race cortisol, and post-race alpha-amylase levels in the final round compared to round 1 (p < 0.05). Mean race time was also faster in the final round compared to round 1 (p < 0.05). Pre- and post-race cortisol were correlated with race time in round 1 (r = 0.554; r = 0.594), but not in the final round (p > 0.05). Increased cortisol emerged as potential indicator of race difficulty and predictors of success in cross-country running. Coaches and athletes may benefit from monitoring cortisol levels to optimize performance during competitions with fluctuating conditions. Further research using saliva analysis as a non-invasive tool for assessing psychophysiological parameters surrounding competition is warranted in larger samples across various endurance sports, though the data presented here provide a unique view of these responses.
DOI
10.1519/JSC.0000000000005055
Publication Date
3-2025
Recommended Citation
Aydemir, Mustafa; Makaracı, Yücel; Avci, Bahattin; Ci̇vi̇l, Yeşim; and Cintineo, Harry P., "The Psychophysiologic Stress and Salivary Cortisol and Alpha-Amylase Awakening Responses to Cross-Country Running Competitions in National-Level Female Athletes" (2025). Faculty Scholarship. 724.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/faculty-research-papers/724
