Abstract
Results Following fighting, the adrenaline concentration was significantly higher in all athletes, most markedly in K (p < 0.001). Baseline cortisol and BDNF levels did not differ among the groups and rose significantly in all the groups after the performance. Baseline testosterone concentration was slightly higher in K than in JSW and rose in all the groups to reach similar levels; the increase in T was significantly higher than in K. Conclusions Despite substantial differences in the characteristics of the combat sports investigated, including the type of physical effort and the required balance between restraint and aggression, the performance in each of them gives rise to similar hormonal changes with a possible exception of karate showing higher stress hormone levels.
Highlights
Stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis are among the main mechanisms of adaptation to physical exercise
This study showed a substantial increase in the blood adrenaline, noradrenaline, cortisol, testosterone, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels following combat sports competition, consistent with earlier studies
We found a rise in the blood BDNF level following the fight, similar for all the combat sport disciplines studied
Summary
Stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis are among the main mechanisms of adaptation to physical exercise. The activation results in a mobilization of energy reserves whose extent depends on the type of exercise [1] It should be pointed out, that a similar hormonal response to that caused by physical activity is evoked by stressful stimuli, including emotions. Stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis are a crucial mechanism of adaptation to physical exercise, in particular in combat sports. Despite substantial differences in the characteristics of the combat sports investigated, including the type of physical effort and the required balance between restraint and aggression, the performance in each of them gives rise to similar hormonal changes with a possible exception of karate showing higher stress hormone levels
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