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Competition Seriousness and Competition Level Modulate Testosterone and Cortisol Responses in Soccer Players

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  • Manuel Jiménez

    (Facultad de Educación, Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, Avenida de la Paz 137, 26002 Logroño, Spain
    Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Campus Teatinos s/n, 29071 Málaga, Spain)

  • José Ramón Alvero-Cruz

    (Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Campus Teatinos s/n, 29071 Málaga, Spain)

  • Juan Solla

    (Grupo de Investigación Hi20, Universidad de Vigo, Campus a Xunqueira s/n, 36005 Pontevedra, Spain)

  • Jorge García-Bastida

    (Facultad de Educación, Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, Avenida de la Paz 137, 26002 Logroño, Spain)

  • Virginia García-Coll

    (Facultad de Educación, Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, Avenida de la Paz 137, 26002 Logroño, Spain)

  • Iván Rivilla

    (Facultad de Educación, Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, Avenida de la Paz 137, 26002 Logroño, Spain)

  • Enrique Ruiz

    (Facultad de Educación, Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, Avenida de la Paz 137, 26002 Logroño, Spain)

  • Jerónimo García-Romero

    (Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Campus Teatinos s/n, 29071 Málaga, Spain)

  • Elvis A. Carnero

    (Research Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Florida Hospital Sanford, Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 301 East Princeton Street, Orlando, FL 32804, USA)

  • Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez

    (Faculty of Sports Science, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain
    Grupo de Investigación en Cultura, Educación y Sociedad, Universidad de la Costa, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia)

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the modulating effect of competition seriousness and competition level in the testosterone and cortisol responses in professional soccer player. Ninety five (95) soccer players were included in this study (professional, n = 39; semiprofessional, n = 27; amateur, n = 29) before and after training, friendly game and official games. Repeated measures ANOVA showed higher testosterone levels (F (1,89) = 134, p < 0.0001, η 2 p = 0.75) in professional soccer players, when compared with semiprofessional ( p < 0.0001) or amateur athletes ( p < 0.0001). After winning a competition game an increase in testosterone levels was observed in professionals (t = −3.456, p < 0.001), semiprofessionals (t = −4.400, p < 0.0001), and amateurs (t = −2.835, p < 0.009). In contrast, this momentary hormonal fluctuation was not observed after winning a friendly game or during a regular training day. Additionally, statistical analysis indicated that cortisol levels were lower in professional (t = −3.456, p < 0.001) and semiprofessional athletes (t = −4.400, p < 0.0001) than in amateurs (t = −2.835, p < 0.009). In soccer players a rise in testosterone was only observable when the team was faced with an actual challenge but did not support a different response between categories. Thus, the desire to achieve a goal (and keep the social status) may be one of the key reasons why testosterone levels rise promptly. Conversely, testosterone did not change after friendly games, which suggests these situations are not real goals and the players do not perceive an actual threat (in terms of dominance) more than the preparation for their next competitive game.

Suggested Citation

  • Manuel Jiménez & José Ramón Alvero-Cruz & Juan Solla & Jorge García-Bastida & Virginia García-Coll & Iván Rivilla & Enrique Ruiz & Jerónimo García-Romero & Elvis A. Carnero & Vicente Javier Clemente-S, 2020. "Competition Seriousness and Competition Level Modulate Testosterone and Cortisol Responses in Soccer Players," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-9, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:1:p:350-:d:305114
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Manuel Jiménez & Manuel Fernández-Navas & José Ramón Alvero-Cruz & Jerónimo García-Romero & Virginia García-Coll & Iván Rivilla & Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez, 2019. "Differences in Psychoneuroendocrine Stress Responses of High-Level Swimmers Depending on Autocratic and Democratic Coaching Style," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-8, December.
    2. Maamer Slimani & Julien S Baker & Foued Cheour & Lee Taylor & Nicola Luigi Bragazzi, 2017. "Steroid hormones and psychological responses to soccer matches: Insights from a systematic review and meta-analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(10), pages 1-19, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Diogo Tereso & Rui Paulo & João Petrica & Pedro Duarte-Mendes & José M. Gamonales & Sergio J. Ibáñez, 2021. "Assessment of Body Composition, Lower Limbs Power, and Anaerobic Power of Senior Soccer Players in Portugal: Differences According to the Competitive Level," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-11, July.
    2. Guillermo Mendoza & Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez & José Ramón Alvero-Cruz & Iván Rivilla & Jerónimo García-Romero & Manuel Fernández-Navas & Margarita Carrillo de Albornoz-Gil & Manuel Jiménez, 2021. "The Role of Experience, Perceived Match Importance, and Anxiety on Cortisol Response in an Official Esports Competition," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-8, March.

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