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Int J Sports Med 2016; 37(02): 169-174
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1559773
Behavioural Sciences
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

The Cortisol Awakening Response and Resilience in Elite Swimmers

J. Meggs
1   Psychology, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
,
J. Golby
2   Sport & Exercise, University of Teesside, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
,
C. J. Mallett
3   Human Movement Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
,
D. F. Gucciardi
4   School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
,
R. C. J. Polman
5   Institure of Sport, Exercise and Active Living, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History



accepted after revision 29 July 2015

Publication Date:
28 October 2015 (online)

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Abstract

The sports environment is stress-eliciting in that it encapsulates perceived uncontrollability, unpredictability and requires ego-involvement. The HPA axis has been shown (indicated by cortisol release) to respond to anticipated sports competition up to a week prior to the event. Research also alludes to the importance of individual differences, such as optimism and trait perfectionism, in moderating the impact of cortisol upon performance. In total, 41 (male n=27) national (n=38) and international (n=3) swimmers were recruited from northeast England and Australia. Swimmers completed a measure of resilience and also provided buccal saliva swabs, from which total cortisol release prior to and during the event was calculated. Findings revealed that resilience significantly predicted performance and the influence of AUC (cortisol release) upon performance was moderated by resilience. These findings suggest that resilience can influence athletic performance either directly or indirectly, through appraisal (i. e., interpretation of the stressor to be facilitative and non-threatening).

Key words

performance - swimming - competition - stress - psychophysiology - appraisals
 

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