ABSTRACT
Introduction: The aims of this study were to: a) investigate salivary immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) and cortisol (s-Cort) responses to nine competitive fixtures in starting and non- starting soccer players; and b) compare s-IgA and s-Cort responses of starters and non-starters considering match outcome. Methods: Saliva from 19 male outfield players from an elite soccer team (mean ± SD, age 26 ± 4 years; weight 80.5 ± 8.1 kg; height 1.83 ± 0.07 m; body-fat 10.8% ± 0.7%) was collected. Saliva samples were taken on the day before each match (MD-1), 60-min before kick-off (MDpre), 30-min post-match (MDpost), and 72-h post-match (MD+3). There were five wins, one draw and three losses. Results: The mean s-IgA value was found to be significantly lower at MD+3 compared to MDpre and MDpost. s-Cort was significantly higher at MDpost compared to MD-1 and MDpre. When compared to MDpre, a statistically significant decrease in s-Cort was observed at MD+3 compared to MDpost. Starters displayed higher s-Cort values across the nine matches. There was a significant group-by-time interaction for s-Cort. There was a significant increase in s-Cort levels at MDpost compared to MD-1 and from MDpre to MDpost in starting players. At MDpost, starters had significantly higher s-Cort values. s-IgA values of starting and non- starting players following successful and unsuccessful matches did not reveal a significant difference. However, similar analysis of s-Cort in successful matches showed a significant difference between starters and non-starters. s-IgA values at MD-1, MDpre, MDpost and MD+3 in starters and non-starters following successful and unsuccessful matches revealed significant differences at MDpre and MDpost in starters, respectively. Furthermore, s-Cort values at MD-1, MDpre, MDpost and MD+3 in starters and non-starters in successful and unsuccessful matches revealed significant differences at MD+3 in starting players. Discussion: The present study suggests that in elite level soccer players, both starting status and match outcome influence s-IgA and s-Cort responses, particularly starters. Specifically, s-IgA was lower for starters before and after the match following successful outcomes. Moreover, higher s-Cort values were found before the match while lower values occurred after the match for starters in successful matches.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The Homeostatic Measurement Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) is a recognized and validated method which uses the levels of fasting glucose in blood and insulin of patients to evaluate the insulin resistance. AIMS: The purpose of the present study was to assess the cut-off values for anthropological variables to identify the (HOMA-IR) index in female participants of a physical exercise program. In addition, the association and prediction of insulin resistance by anthropological variables was studied. METHODS: A total of 143 participants (45.64 ± 13.17 years) volunteered for this study. Clinical data were collected by means of a self-reported questionnaire. Body weight and BMI were assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis and skinfold thickness was taken using a caliper. Girths were assessed with a flexible metallic tape measures and finally, the HOMA-IR was calculated by the formula as follows: fasting plasma insulin ((µU/ml) x fasting plasma glucose (mmol/L). RESULTS: The outcomes of the study indicated that the AUC of anthropometrical variables for identifying HOMA-IR are reflected primarily in weight, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-thigh ratio, subscapular skinfold thickness, abdominal skinfold thickness, hip circumference, chest circumference, upper arm muscular girths (tensed and relaxed) (all, p ≤ 0.001), triceps skinfold thickness (p 109 cm (specificity: 99.2 waist circumference > 116 cm (specificity: 99.2 %) and abdomen skinfold < 8.8 (specificity: 97.6 %), predict the HOMA-IR in 35.29 %, 29.41 %, 23.53 % and 23.53 %, respectively. CONCLUSION: The present empirical study demonstrates that hip, chest and waist circumference on the one hand, and abdomen skinfold on the other hand are markers that are relevant to the identification of HOMA-IR index in females (Tab. 3, Ref. 33). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: insulin resistance, anthropometry, cut-off value, women, HOMA-IR.
