Hormonal Balance in Stress, Fatigue, and Recovery: Dynamics of Pre-Competition Responses

NCT06917677 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: Rowers 2023a
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 30
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This observational study investigates how elite athletes respond physiologically and psychologically to pre-competitive stress in the context of a high-stakes performance test. The study focuses on the dynamic changes in stress-related hormonal biomarkers and self-reported psychological states across three key phases: mobilization (pre-exercise anticipation), fatigue (immediate post-effort), and recovery (1 hour and 24 hours post-exercise). The performance test serves as part of a qualification process for national and international championship competitions, providing an ecologically valid model of competitive stress. Blood samples and validated psychological questionnaires are used to assess hormonal fluctuations and subjective stress responses at four time points. The main question it aims to answer is: How do key hormonal markers and self-reported psychological stress levels change across the mobilization-fatigue-recovery cycle surrounding a competitive performance?

Conditions

Healthy

Keywords

Athletes; Fatigue; Recovery; Anxiety

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (10)

• Changes from baseline in cortisol level.

  Concentration of cortisol \[ng/ml\]. Immunoenzymatic assay method using a diagnostic ELISA Kit

  At rest (before the test), directly after the test, and after 1-hour and 24-hour recovery periods.

• Changes from baseline in testosterone level.

  Concentration of testosterone \[ng/mL\]. Immunoenzymatic assay method using a diagnostic ELISA Kit

  At rest (before the test), directly after the test, and after 1-hour and 24-hour recovery periods.

• Changes from baseline in serotonin level.

  Concentration of serotonin \[ng/mL\]. Immunoenzymatic assay method using a diagnostic ELISA Kit

  At rest (before the test), directly after the test, and after 1-hour and 24-hour recovery periods.

• Changes from baseline in dopamine level.

  Concentration of dopamine \[ng/mL\]. Immunoenzymatic assay method using a diagnostic ELISA Kit

  At rest (before the test), directly after the test, and after 1-hour and 24-hour recovery periods.

• Changes from baseline in beta-endorphin level.

  Concentration of beta-endorphin \[ng/mL\]. Immunoenzymatic assay method using a diagnostic ELISA Kit

  At rest (before the test), directly after the test, and after 1-hour and 24-hour recovery periods.

• Changes from baseline in anandamide level.

  Concentration of anandamide \[ng/mL\]. Immunoenzymatic assay method using a diagnostic ELISA Kit

  At rest (before the test), directly after the test, and after 1-hour and 24-hour recovery periods.

• Changes from baseline in 2-arachidonoyl glycerol level.

  Concentration of 2-arachidonoyl glycerol \[ng/mL\]. Immunoenzymatic assay method using a diagnostic ELISA Kit

  At rest (before the test), directly after the test, and after 1-hour and 24-hour recovery periods.

• Competitive Anxiety Profile Before Exercise Test Using SCAT Questionnaire

  The Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT) measures trait anxiety levels related to competitive situations in athletes. The SCAT questionnaire provides a score ranging from 10 to 30 points. Higher scores indicate higher levels of competitive anxiety, which is considered a worse outcome in terms of psychological readiness for competition. Lower scores suggest lower levels of trait anxiety and better psychological preparedness.

  Before the 2000-meter exercise test (baseline, at rest)

• Cognitive, Somatic Anxiety, and Confidence Before and After Exercise Using CSAI-2R Questionnaire

  The Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 Revised (CSAI-2R) measures the intensity of cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety, and self-confidence in athletes before and after competitive performance. Each subscale of the CSAI-2R provides a score ranging from 9 to 36 points. For Cognitive Anxiety and Somatic Anxiety, higher scores indicate higher levels of anxiety, which are considered a worse outcome regarding psychological readiness. For Self-Confidence, higher scores indicate greater confidence, which is considered a better outcome.

  Before the 2000-meter exercise test (baseline, at rest)

• Coping Strategies for Sport Stress Using CICS Questionnaire

  The Coping Inventory for Competitive Sport (CICS) assesses athletes' coping strategies in response to competition-related stress. It measures task-oriented, distraction-oriented, and disengagement-oriented coping styles. Each subscale of the CICS (Task-Oriented Coping, Distraction-Oriented Coping, and Disengagement-Oriented Coping) provides a score ranging from 5 to 25 points. For Task-Oriented Coping, higher scores indicate more significant use of effective, adaptive coping strategies, which is considered a better outcome. For Distraction-Oriented Coping and Disengagement-Oriented Coping, higher scores indicate more significant use of less effective or maladaptive coping strategies, which is considered a worse outcome.

  Before the 2000-meter exercise test (baseline, at rest)

Study Arms (1)

Rowers

A single group of national-level rowers performing a 2000-meter maximal effort test as part of a qualification process. All participants undergo the same protocol with repeated measurements before and after exercise.

Behavioral: 2000-meter maximal effort test on rowing ergometer

Interventions

2000-meter maximal effort test on rowing ergometer BEHAVIORAL

Participants will perform a 2000-meter maximal effort test on a Concept II rowing ergometer, aiming to complete the distance in the shortest possible time. The test simulates a competitive race and serves as a qualification trial. It will be conducted under medical supervision and is intended to induce a high level of physiological and psychological stress representative of elite competition.

Rowers

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 19 Years - 24 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The Polish Youth Rowing Team

You may qualify if:

• Aged 18-24 years
• Member of the national rowing team
• Actively participating in training and selection processes
• Medically cleared for high-intensity exercise by a team physician

You may not qualify if:

• Current injury or illness affecting physical performance
• Use of medications that may influence hormonal or psychological responses (e.g., corticosteroids, antidepressants, hormonal therapies)
• Diagnosed neurological, or endocrine disorders
• Refusal to provide blood samples or complete questionnaires

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Poznan University of Physical Education: lead

Study Sites (1)

Poznań University of Physical Education

Poznan, Greater Poland Voivodeship, 61-871, Poland

Location

Biospecimen

Retention: SAMPLES WITHOUT DNA

Blood samples will be collected using two types of polyethylene tubes: 1\) 4.9 mL tubes containing dipotassium EDTA (EDTAK₂) as an anticoagulant for plasma-based analyses; 2) 9 mL tubes with a clotting activator for serum preparation. Samples will be processed, aliquoted, and stored at -80°C for subsequent hormonal and biochemical analyses.

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Fatigue; Anxiety Disorders

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Mental Disorders

Study Officials

• Anna Skarpańska-Stejborn, Professor

  Poznań University of Physical Education, Faculty of Sport Sciences in Gorzów Wielkopolski, Poland;

  STUDY DIRECTOR

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: RETROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 1, 2025
• First Posted: April 8, 2025
• Study Start: October 20, 2023
• Primary Completion: October 25, 2023
• Study Completion: December 2, 2023
• Last Updated: July 8, 2025

Record last verified: 2023-10

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PL (1)