Salivary cortisol as a physiological response to competitive stress in male athletes: a systematic review - doi: 10.4025/reveducfis.v21i4.9053

Abstract

Cortisol is commonly called the “hormone of stress” by the fact that its production and secretion increase substantially under stress situations such as sports competitions. The aim of the present study is to investigate some studies about salivary cortisol as a competitive stress indicator for the last 15 years. A deep search was done through databases such as PUBMED; SCIELO; SCIENCEDIRECT; LILACS; MEDLINE. 377 papers were selected, after considering six inclusion and three exclusion criteria. The studies pointed to increases on cortisol levels in the beginning, end and also during the competition, observing a previous effect mainly in home competitions. There was an evidence of higher cortisol concentrations when athletes were less experienced (non-elite athletes). The increase of cortisol was associated to a higher physical demand (physiological factor) and an emotional overload (psychological factor).