Abstract

The effect of a pre-competitive volleyball match on levels of noradrenaline, adrenaline, cortisol, prolactin and gonadotropin in young peripuberal girls has been studied. Hormone levels were also evaluated in parents attending the match. After the game, both noradrenaline and cortisol levels were increased (from 253.9 +/- 14.7 to 401.6 +/- 26.4 pg/ml, and from 10.8 +/- 1.0 to 16.3 +/- 1.2 micro-g/dl, respectively). Moreover, noradrenaline tended to increase more in players who had played for longest, whereas cortisol was highest in the losing team. No significant changes were observed with regard to other hormones. Hormone levels remained constant in parents attending the match. Before the match, adrenaline levels were higher in both players and parents. This phenomenon might be related to the emotional stress associated with the pre-match waiting period. In conclusion, the paper discusses the possible influence of different types of emotion on hormone behaviour. Verf.-Referat