Abstract
PurposeThe iPro Cube is a small portable point-of-care device designed to analyse salivary markers of stress in a user-friendly manner (e.g., fast, convenient). Our aim was to test the reliability and validity of the iPro Cube to measure salivary cortisol and α-amylase as compared to the common laboratory standard method (ELISA immunoassay) prior to and after moderate intensity exercise.MethodsThe study was a repeated measures, pre-registered design, and statistical framework that incorporated prior knowledge directly into the estimation process. Twenty-nine individuals (age = 27.4 ± 6.6 y; body-mass = 70.8 ± 11.3 kg; height = 1.74 ± 0.92 m; 18 males) completed a single PWC75%HRmax, with repeated measures of salivary cortisol and -amylase pre, immediately post, and 30 min post-exercise.ResultsCorrelation between the iPro Cube and laboratory-based assessments of salivary cortisol was moderate-to-large (0.53 > r < 0.81) across all three testing points. In contrast, correlation between the iPro Cube and laboratory-based assessments of -amylase was small-to-moderate (0.25 > r < 0.46). We found a large correlation between duplicate samples of iPro Cube cortisol assessment (0.75 > r < 0.82), and a moderate-to-large correlation for -amylase (0.51> r < 0.77).ConclusionsThe iPro Cube is capable of taking measures of salivary cortisol that are moderately correlated to values obtained via ELISA immunoassay, however the unit underestimates salivary cortisol and overestimates salivary -amylase at rest and post-moderate intensity exercise. It is recommended that researchers continue using standard laboratory techniques to assess these salivary stress markers.
Highlights
The stress placed on the body by exercise can be measured using various biological markers in saliva, hair, and blood
Salivary markers of HPA axis and ANS activity have increased in popularity recently, as there are several metabolites that can be detected via this non-invasive technique, using only small sample volumes (i.e., ∼0.5–1 ml) (Lee, Kim & Choi, 2015; Papacosta & Nassis, 2011)
Salivary cortisol (HPA axis) and alpha-amylase (α-amylase; ANS) are two such markers that can be measured in the saliva as a surrogate measure of psychophysiological stress
Summary
The stress placed on the body by exercise can be measured using various biological markers in saliva, hair, and blood. Salivary markers of HPA axis and ANS activity have increased in popularity recently, as there are several metabolites that can be detected via this non-invasive technique, using only small sample volumes (i.e., ∼0.5–1 ml) (Lee, Kim & Choi, 2015; Papacosta & Nassis, 2011). Collection of salivary metabolites offers a viable non-invasive alternative to serum and plasma methods where frequent venepuncture to sample blood may impact the analyte of interest (e.g., increasing cortisol response) or may be inappropriate, requiring less medical expertise, rapid collection, and can be performed in a variety of settings. Salivary cortisol (HPA axis) and alpha-amylase (α-amylase; ANS) are two such markers that can be measured in the saliva as a surrogate measure of psychophysiological stress
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
