Abstract
Testosterone (T) is positively linked to dominance, higher status which especially pays to men - studies focused on male hormonal reaction are more consistent. Another steroid hormone - cortisol (C) helps to prepare the body for action as part of the physiological stress response.
The aim was to search for salivary hormonal changes in reaction to winning and losing in competition in female basketball players (29 female players, aged 16-19 - mean age +- SD = 17,1 +- 1,01). Results show us no relationship in T level with the result of the match (U = 74, p = .489).
T level was higher in winners and also in losers. The significant changes between winners and losers was found in C level (U = 47, p < .05).
In winners we expected up T and down C; in losers down T and up C. Samples were collected three times: a) in the morning of the competition day (basal level) b) 30 min before warm-ups (before competition) and c) 20 min after competition.
Moreover, we tried to find relationship between hormonal levels and efficiency of players. The efficiency was attained from organizers of the championship using special software for this purpose - the method is standardized (composite score of shots, fouls, rebounds etc.).
Our study shows that changes in T levels in female basketball players are not related to result of the match. The C is positively related to feeling of distress after the match and the outcome of the competition has an impact on C level - winners have lower level of C (p = 0,003).