Abstract

In fencers, the activation of the sympathoadrenal system (SAS) was studied by measuring urinary excretion of free noradrenaline (NA), free adrenaline (A), and vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) during 3 consecutive days - rest before exercise (day I), day of fights (day II), and rest after exercise (day III). The activation induced by competition was compared with that induced by training fights performed in a similar manner. Competitions caused an increase in both NA and A excretion, while training fights led to a lower increase in NA excretion only. The increase in NA excretion induced by competition persisted until the day after fights. This stronger activation of SAS on the day of competition, as compared with the training, can be explained by a higher emotional stress. Verf.-Referat