Dynamics of Stress Biomarker in Cliff Divers during Official Competition

Abstract

Stress is defined as a reaction of the body to any given stressor, external or internal. These stressors are common among participants in sports. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the dynamics of two stress biomarkers during an official cliff diving competition. The sample of participants included six professional cliff divers (three females and three males). Their salivary cortisol (C) and alpha-amylase (AA) samples were collected during a 3-day competition (four samples on day 1 and six samples on days 2 and 3). The analysis of the results showed a non-significant increase in AA from day one to day three. On the other hand, C has an increase in the first two days (0.58 ± 0.16 µg/mL–0.61 ± 0.23 µg/mL) and then a decrease in the last competition day (0.53 ± 0.23 µg/mL). Analysis of samples collected during each day demonstrates a fluctuation of the biomarkers. For AA, the sample after the training dive on the 2nd day has the highest value (326.34 ± 280.73 U/mL), whereas on day 3, the samples after training and before the competition dive are the highest (364.50 ± 287.13 U/mL; 466.49 ± 218.39 U/mL). Regarding C levels, the sample after the competition dive tends to show the highest values (0.66 ± 0.17 µg/mL; 0.89 ± 0.29 µg/mL; 0.76 ± 0.32 µg/mL, respectively). Furthermore, the correlation between the results of competition and biomarkers is not significant. These results demonstrate how cliff diving competition tends to have a high impact on the sympathetic nervous system, as observed mainly in AA dynamics. One might contend that even though there is no significant physical strain, cliff divers demonstrate heightened stress biomarker levels that could affect their performance and focus while diving.