The Effects of Anticipatory Stress on Analgesia and Cortisol Concentrations in Competitive Athletes

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2006
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Haverford College. Department of Psychology
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Award
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eng
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Open Access
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Abstract
This study explored the effects that anticipatory stress before athletic competition may have on human pain perception. Soccer and basketball players were tested for pain thresholds, salivary cortisol concentrations, as well as general arousal before games, practices, as well as a non-exercise baseline session. An analgesic response was demonstrated before practices and games as compared to baseline sessions, however no significant difference was found between the practice and game sessions themselves. In soccer players, cortisol was found to be significantly higher before games as compared to either of the other two sessions. It is proposed that analgesic responses to practices and games may still be due to a stress response. Additionally, confounding factors are discussed such as ambient temperature during testing and the success of the team being tested. Recommendations for future research are also made.
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