Physical Activity versus Psychological Stress: Effects on Salivary Cortisol and Working Memory Performance

Abstract

Background and Objective: The present study was designed to investigate whether acute physical activity and psychological stress produce different effects on cortisol release and working memory performance. Materials and Methods: Male subjects (N = 12; 18–35 years) were recruited and scheduled to come four times to our lab (within-subject design). For each counterbalanced visit, they performed one of the following four protocols: control, moderate physical activity (MOD), vigorous physical activity (VIG), and acute stress. Heart rate was monitored during every protocol. MOD and VIG were performed for 15 min and were defined as 40–50% and 70–80%, respectively, of their maximum heart rate. Acute stress was imposed via the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Salivary samples were collected before and after every protocol to assess cortisol concentrations. Working memory (WM) performance was evaluated through the 2N-Back task right after ending the protocol (early WM) and after a delay of 35 min (late WM). Results: VIG and stress, but not MOD, increased salivary cortisol concentrations. However, the increases of cortisol produced by VIG and stress were not significantly different. Also, there were no significant differences in working memory performance (late and early) in any of the experimental protocols tested. Conclusions: These results show that exercise (VIG) and stress produce similar effects on cortisol release and do not support the hypothesis that working memory capacity is influenced by elevated cortisol levels, either from varying exercise intensities or psychological stress.

Anti-fatigue activities of anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murry

“…As a sensitive blood biochemical parameter of fatigue, the BUN content is negatively correlated with exercise endurance level and can therefore be used to evaluate the body's ability to withstand high-intensity exercise load (Wu et al, 2014). Cortisol is a steroid hormone closely related to stress and can reflect the body's metabolism and fatigue and maintain life activities by regulating the body's water, salt, sugar and protein metabolism (Viru &Viru, 2004;Ponce et al, 2019). The body needs glycolysis to replenish energy during a short period of strenuous exercise, and LD is the final product of glycolysis under anaerobic conditions.…”

“…In the S-3 stage, the cortisol concentration gradually decreased, which may be related to exercise intensity, exhaustive swimming time and tissue intake of cortisol. The change in cortisol concentration is affected by the duration and intensity of exercise and by factors such as exercise type, the subject's functional level and mental state (Ponce et al, 2019). Therefore, the mechanism by which LRAs affect cortisol at different exercise stages needs to be further studied and explored.…”

The role of the human hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenocortical system in adaptation to physical exercise

“…Молодые ♀ и ♂ со средним и низким уровнем тренированности Упражнения с нагрузкой не менее 80% от МПК или до изнеможения de Meirleir et al (1986), Coiro et al (1988), Elias et al (1991), Port (1991, Duclos et al (1997), Lac et al (1999), de Vries et al (2000, Jacks et al (2002), Wahl et al (2010), Coiro et al (2011), Yanovski et al (2000, van der Pompe et al (2001), Traustadóttir et al (2004), Farrell et al (1983, Hötting et al (2016) Молодые ♀ и ♂ со средним и низким уровнем тренированности Упражнения, начиная с нагрузки 50% от МПК Bramnert (1987), Luger et al (1987), Viru et al (1992), Hill et al (2008), Ponce et al (2019), Galliven et al (1997), Strüder et al (1998; Молодые (1988), Elias et al (1991), Duclos et al (1997), Lac et al (1999), de Vries et al (2000, Jacks et al (2002), Wahl et al (2010), Coiro et al (2011), Yanovski et al (2000), van der Pompe et al (2001), Traustadóttir et al (2004), Farrell et al (1983, Hötting et al (2016) Young ♂ and ♀ with an average and low physical activity…”

“…Exercises starting at an intensity of 50% VO₂max Luger et al (1987), Viru et al (1992), Hill et al (2008), Ponce et al (2019), Galliven et al (1997), Strüder et al (1998; Young ♂, professional athletes…”

Alterações no perfil de estado de humor e cortisol salivar em senhores de meia idade praticantes de futebol “sete” (Changes in the mood profile and salivary cortisol en middle-aged soccer “seven” players) (Cambios en el perfil del estado de ánimo y cort

“…A competição provoca maior resposta ao estresse do que o treinamento (De Pero, 2021), tal afirmação foi constatada por Brandão et al (2021) em jogadores profissionais de futebol no Brasil que vivenciam situações competitivas estressantes seja por demandas ambientais, situações inerentes ao esporte ou adjacentes ao sistema competitivo. Do ponto de vista fisiológico, o cortisol tem sido considerado o hormônio do estresse (Jorge, Santos & Stefanello, 2010;Kim et al, 2009), visto que em situações de estresse, sua produção e secreção aumentam consideravelmente (Ponce, Arco & Loprinzi, 2019;Fogelman & Canli, 2018). Assim, o cortisol desempenha um papel central na resposta ao estresse e em níveis altos pode determinar o comprometimento físico e psicológico, mas em nível leve ou moderado pode ter um efeito positivo no enfrentamento e no desempenho físico (Mura et al, 2014).…”