[Comparison of the effects of soccer competition stress on salivary cortisol and heart rate in winner and loser coaches: a short report]

Soccer coaching is considered to be one of the riskiest careers in the world. The psychological pressure caused by the nature of this profession causes wear to Soccer coaches. The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of acute competition stress on salivary cortisol and heart rate in professional soccer coaches during 2004-2005 competition season. In this descriptive study, salivary samples were collected from coaches at five times. Sixteen professional soccer coaches with the average of 52.27 +/- 9.18 years of age, 11.67 +/- 6.01 years of coaching experience in the league and 64.40 +/- 5.91 beats per minute [bpm] of rest heart rate were selected as the subjects of study. The coaches were monitored with a team polar device throughout the games, during their competition. Analysis of variance with repeated measurements [ANOVA] was used. The highest level of cortisol was observed during the halftime break. This level was higher for the loser coaches than the winner ones. During the game heart rate differences changes were not significant between the loser and winner coaches. The results indicated a hormonal response to competition, which was specially characterized by an anticipatory rise of cortisol depending on outcomes [goal scoring]. Consequently, psychological stress of competition could be stressful and deterimental for the professional soccer coaches