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Int J Sports Med 2012; 33(09): 763-768
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1304638
Behavioural Sciences
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Response of Salivary Markers of Autonomic Activity to Elite Competition

M. M. Diaz
1   Institute of Genetics and Biochemistry, Federal University of Uberlandia, Brazil
,
O. L. Bocanegra
1   Institute of Genetics and Biochemistry, Federal University of Uberlandia, Brazil
,
R. R. Teixeira
1   Institute of Genetics and Biochemistry, Federal University of Uberlandia, Brazil
,
S. S. Soares
2   Faculty of Physical Education, Federal University of Uberlandia, Brazil
,
F. S. Espindola
1   Institute of Genetics and Biochemistry, Federal University of Uberlandia, Brazil
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History



accepted after revision 31 January 2012

Publication Date:
11 May 2012 (online)

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Abstract

We investigated the response of salivary total protein (TP), alpha-amylase (sAA) and chromogranin A (CgA) to sporting competition and their relation with positive and negative affect. 11 professional swimmers were examined during the first day of a national contest and on a recreated event that matched time-of-the-day and day-of-the-week assessments 2 weeks later. Total protein was determined by the Bradford method and sAA and CgA by Western blotting upon awakening, 30 and 60 min post awakening, immediately before warming up for competition and 5, 20 and 60 min after competition. Psychometric instruments included the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule-X. The concentrations of TP, sAA and CgA differed from controls only prior to and 5 min after the event. We observed positive correlations between higher negative affect scores with higher levels of TP, sAA and CgA prior to the event on the competition day. All 3 markers showed a similar reactivity to sporting competition, which may be attributed to the mechanisms responsible for protein secretion into saliva when collection is performed with no exogenous stimulation. TP is an attractive marker in sports psychology since its determination is faster and cheaper than traditional kinetic or immune assays.

Key words

saliva - exercise - stress - biomarker
 

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