Changes in mood states and salivary cortisol levels following two months of training in elite female water polo players

Psychological and physiological markers have been used to maximize competitive sport preparation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two months of training and competitions on mood states and salivary cortisol diurnal variation in 15 female elite water polo players. Results showed that the β coefficient values of the slope of the regression of cortisol values on sampling time was significantly flatter after the training period. Values of the area under the cortisol curve 'with respect to ground' (AUCg) and those of the β coefficients of the slope of the diurnal change in cortisol level were highly negatively correlated between them. The slope correlated positively with dysfunctional POMS scale and negatively with the functional one. AUCg correlated negatively with dysfunctional factors and positively with the vigor index. Our findings offered support for the hypothesis that subclinical hypocortisolism and flattened diurnal rhythm of cortisol play a role in determining dysfunctional mood states.