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

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, η2p = 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.

Effects of Dominance and Sprint Interval Exercise on Testosterone and Cortisol Levels in Strength-, Endurance-, and Non-Training Men

“…Furthermore, results of Jiménez et al [41] provided explanations for the lack of SIE effect in T, C, and T/C levels in our participants. After winning a league game, higher testosterone levels were observed in professional soccer players, compared to semi-professional or amateur athletes.…”

Assessment of Body Composition, Lower Limbs Power, and Anaerobic Power of Senior Soccer Players in Portugal: Differences According to the Competitive Level

“…A total of 81 players participated in this study (n = 81), belonging to six soccer teams, aged between 18 and 35 years, with a mean age of 23.14 ± 4.23 years. The players were divided into three groups [18] After selecting the teams and their respective players, we defined the following exclusion criteria: athletes under 18 years of age, and athletes who refused to participate. It should be noted that not all the players did all the evaluations due to the effort management, considering the periodization of the technical teams.…”

The Role of Experience, Perceived Match Importance, and Anxiety on Cortisol Response in an Official Esports Competition

“…The lack of differences in self-confidence and somatic anxiety between both groups could be explained by the subjectivity in the perception of these parameters, causing a greater variability in the responses [ 16 , 17 , 46 ]. as similar levels of expertise among rivals were controlled, perceived expertise could no longer be a factor affecting the self-confidence of participants.…”

“…Sports competitions are a source of stress that provoke different neuroendocrine responses depending on the competitive moment: before, during, and after the competition [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. An increase in cortisol (C) and sympathetic autonomic branch has been observed prior competitions, highlighting the anticipatory response prior to the competition due to the psychological anticipation influenced by Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2) factors about subjective feelings of anxiety and confidence [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ].…”