Abstract
Aim. The aim of the research was to study changes of blood cortisol values in response to muscular load and during post-load recovery in young men with different levels of physical fitness. Materials and Methods. Participants were divided into three groups: athletes developing speed-strength qualities (n = 18), athletes developing endurance (n = 18), and control group including apparently healthy men not engaged in sports (n = 16). 30-minute and 60-minute cycle ergometer tests (2W per kg of body weight) were used to model acute muscle effort. Serum cortisol values were assessed before tests (baseline values), immediately after load, and after an hour of recovery. Results. Cortisol values were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) after an hour of restitution in groups where baseline cortisol levels had been higher than physiologically normal values. This phenomenon was observed irrespective of specifics of physical fitness of the participants and load duration. Groups with normal baseline cortisol values had significant increase of hormone concentration (p < 0.05) immediately after load and after an hour of recovery. Conclusion. Decrease of cortisol values may be associated with processes of protective inhibition of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis if baseline hormone levels are increased. At normal baseline cortisol levels the adequate response to physical load “switching” metabolism to catabolic processes is the increase of hormone values. Analysis of changes in cortisol levels related to controlled physical load may help in assessment of adaptive capacity and diagnosis of fatigue.
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