Abstract des Autors

The authors studied hormonal changes (epinephrine, norepinephrine, FSH, LH, testosterone, prolactin) and behaviour of heart rate (HR) induced by stress during a soccer match, in 13 soccer referees (average age 25,6 years). Each referee was evaluated in 4-6 matches for a total of 72 games, in different seasons during the championship of first category in 1990-1991. Heart rate immediately before the match was in average increased compared to the rest values (112+/-2 b/min), 163+/-4 b/min in the first part of the game and 161+/-12 in the second part. There was a negative correlation between HR and years of experience as referee. As far as hormonal changes are concerned the authors found a significant increase, if compared to basal values, in epinephrine (from 39,7+/-28 to 138,5+/-104 pg/ml, p<0,001) and prolactin levels (from 12,1+/-3,8 to 26,2+/-39,5 ng/dl, p<0,003). Testosterone and LH levels decreased significantly from 604 to 546 ng/dl and from 2,87 to 1,7 mUI/ml, respectively, while FSH did not show any significant variation. This study provides sufficient proofs to substain that referees are submitted to a marked physical effort. There is a considerable psychical involvement, in which attention plays a very important role. This psychological state contributes to increase the catecholamine levels and the consequent behaviour of heart rate. Verf.-Referat