Abstract
So far, studies have focused mainly on changes in cortisol levels before and after competitions, and little is known about cortisol secretion within a competition. In this exploratory study we aimed to gather in-depth information about cortisol development during a tennis match and to relate cortisol levels to specific performance parameters of two competitive male players. Thereby, we were also able to compare winner and loser directly. A total of 20 samples per player were assessed before (4 samples), during (10 samples), and after (6 samples) a match and on a resting day (5 samples). Cortisol was higher on competition day in comparison to resting day in both players. Further, cortisol was higher in the loser before (17%), during (65%), and after (54%) the match. In addition, cortisol was negatively correlated with certain performance parameters (e.g., unforced errors and return performance) but uncorrelated with other performance parameters such as serving performance. Further research should look into within-competition cortisol variations, additionally assessing different hormones, and take into account the methodological concerns that were identified in this single case study.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
