INTRODUCTION: Extreme sports, including big mountain and freeskiing are rapidly increasing in popularity. Because of the extremely steep slopes, and dangerous off-piste terrain, single mistakes at the wrong moment are associated with the risk for injuries and even have led to the deaths of some extreme skiers. However, high risk athletes seem to enjoy engaging in stressful conditions that produce a broad spectrum of hormones that cause this psychophysical stress response. The purpose of this study was to characterize the extent of changes of adrenaline and noradrenaline by comparing pre- and post-race plasma concentrations of these catecholamines to quantify the combined psycho-emotional and physical stress response in extreme skiers. METHODS: Plasma concentrations of adrenaline and noradrenaline were studied in 12 male participants (age: 24.0±3.1 years) of a freeskiing competition in Switzerland (Verbier Ride World Tour Contest). Baseline blood samples were collected by venous puncture from the antecubital vein on the day before the race, and then again immediately after the race. Samples were centrifuged (4000 rpm, 10 min.) and stored at -20°C until analyses by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay according to assay kit instructions provided by the manufacturer. RESULTS: Significant increases were observed immediately post-exercise in concentrations of adrenaline (p<0.0005) and noradrenaline (p<0.000005) compared to baseline data. Actually adrenaline concentration was elevated 9.6-fold from 58.8±28.8 pg/ml to 564.5±292.3 pg/ml, and post-race noradrenaline concentration was 7.6-times higher than resting level (267.1±95.1 versus 2038.7±681.9 pg/ml). No significant correlations could be detected between baseline and post-race levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline of the subjects. DISCUSSION: Results from the present investigation confirmed previously published results, which indicated that strenuous exercise results in profound elevations in catecholomines. However, adrenaline and noradrenaline elevations in the current study examining combined psycho-emotional and physical stress response in extreme skiers seemed to be more pronounced compared to previous studies that looked primarily at the aerobic or anaerobic influence on the catecholamine excretion. CONCLUSION: In summary, our data indicated that psychophysical stress response in extreme skiiers resulted in extremly elevated post-race concentrations of adrenaline and noradrenaline.
© Copyright 2007 4th International Congress on Science and Skiing. Veröffentlicht von University of Salzburg. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.