HealthyNCT06917677
Hormonal Balance in Stress, Fatigue, and Recovery: Dynamics of Pre-Competition Responses
An observational study of Healthy, run by Poznan University of Physical Education at 1 site in Poland.
Trial summary
This observational study investigates how elite athletes respond physiologically and psychologically to pre-competitive stress in the context of a high-stakes performance test. The study focuses on the dynamic changes in stress-related hormonal biomarkers and self-reported psychological states across three key phases… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 19 to 24 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Healthy
- What is being tested?
- 2000-meter maximal effort test on rowing ergometer
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- How many people
- 30 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePoland
- Study dates
- 20 Oct 2023to 2 Dec 2023
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 19 to 24 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Study population: The Polish Youth Rowing Team
Who may be able to join
- Aged 18-24 years
- Member of the national rowing team
- Actively participating in training and selection processes
- Medically cleared for high-intensity exercise by a team physician
Who cannot join
- Current injury or illness affecting physical performance
- Use of medications that may influence hormonal or psychological responses (e.g., corticosteroids, antidepressants, hormonal therapies)
- Diagnosed neurological, or endocrine disorders
- Refusal to provide blood samples or complete questionnaires
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Poland1 site
Poznań University of Physical Education
Poznan, Greater Poland Voivodeship, 61-871
About this study
Official title: Hormonal Balance in the Mobilization-Fatigue-Recovery Cycle: Dynamics of the Physiological and Psychological Response to Pre-Competitive Stress
This observational study investigates how elite athletes respond physiologically and psychologically to pre-competitive stress in the context of a high-stakes performance test. The study focuses on the dynamic changes in stress-related hormonal biomarkers and self-reported psychological states across three key phases: mobilization (pre-exercise anticipation), fatigue (immediate post-effort), and recovery (1 hour and 24 hours post-exercise). The performance test serves as part of a qualification process for national and international championship competitions, providing an ecologically valid model of competitive stress. Blood samples and validated psychological questionnaires are used to assess hormonal fluctuations and subjective stress responses at four time points.
The main question it aims to answer is:
How do key hormonal markers and self-reported psychological stress levels change across the mobilization-fatigue-recovery cycle surrounding a competitive performance?
Read the detailed description
Elite athletes frequently experience intense psychological and physiological stress before and during high-stakes competitions. While a certain level of pre-competitive stress is necessary for optimal performance, excessive or poorly regulated stress can negatively affect both performance outcomes and recovery. The body's response to stress involves complex neuroendocrine mechanisms, including the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the release of stress-related hormones and neuromodulators. These include cortisol, testosterone, dopamine, serotonin, β-endorphins, and endocannabinoids such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).
This observational cohort study aims to explore the dynamic changes in both hormonal and psychological stress responses across four time points-before, immediately after, 1 hour after, and 24 hours after-a standardized, high-intensity rowing performance test. This test is part of the official national team selection process and simulates the psychological and physical demands of real-world competition, making it an ecologically valid model for investigating stress.
Participants are elite rowers (men and women) who are current members of the national team. The test represents a critical selection tool for major championship events (e.g., World and National Championships), creating a natural, high-pressure environment to study pre-competitive stress. All participants provide blood samples at four time points and complete validated psychological questionnaires (including CSAI-2 and SCAT) before the test.
The study's primary outcomes include blood concentrations of stress- and motivation-related hormones (cortisol, testosterone, dopamine, serotonin, β-endorphin, anandamide, 2-AG), and scores from standardized psychological stress inventories assessing cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety, and self-confidence. These variables are evaluated across the mobilization-fatigue-recovery cycle to capture both immediate and delayed responses to competitive stress.
Secondary outcomes include anthropometric measurements (height, body weight, body mass index, body composition, and training history), which will be used to describe the participant cohort and assess potential moderating factors.
This study is novel in its scope and methodology, integrating a broad panel of biological stress markers with subjective psychological assessments across multiple time points. While previous research has focused primarily on cortisol in isolated pre- or post-competition measures, this study tracks dynamic, time-resolved changes across the full stress-recovery spectrum. Furthermore, the inclusion of dopamine, β-endorphins, and endocannabinoids represents a rare and innovative attempt to explore less-studied but potentially critical components of the athlete stress response.
This study will provide new insights into the mechanisms of resilience, adaptation, and recovery in elite sport by evaluating how hormonal and psychological indicators shift together or diverge. Findings may help coaches, sports psychologists, and medical professionals better monitor athlete well-being, identify signs of overreaching or maladaptive stress, and develop more personalized strategies for performance readiness and mental support.
- Conditions
- Healthy
- Being tested
- 2000-meter maximal effort test on rowing ergometer
- Keywords
- Athletes, Fatigue, Recovery, Anxiety
- Medical subject headings
- Fatigue, Anxiety Disorders
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
2000-meter maximal effort test on rowing ergometerBehavioural
Participants will perform a 2000-meter maximal effort test on a Concept II rowing ergometer, aiming to complete the distance in the shortest possible time. The test simulates a competitive race and serves as a qualification trial. It will be conducted under medical supervision and is intended to induce a high level of physiological and psychological stress representative of elite competition.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Rowers | A single group of national-level rowers performing a 2000-meter maximal effort test as part of a qualification process. All participants undergo the same protocol with repeated measurements before and after exercise. Receives: Behavioral: 2000-meter maximal effort test on rowing ergometer |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Changes from baseline in cortisol level.
Concentration of cortisol [ng/ml]. Immunoenzymatic assay method using a diagnostic ELISA Kit
Measured: At rest (before the test), directly after the test, and after 1-hour and 24-hour recovery periods.
Changes from baseline in testosterone level.
Concentration of testosterone [ng/mL]. Immunoenzymatic assay method using a diagnostic ELISA Kit
Measured: At rest (before the test), directly after the test, and after 1-hour and 24-hour recovery periods.
Changes from baseline in serotonin level.
Concentration of serotonin [ng/mL]. Immunoenzymatic assay method using a diagnostic ELISA Kit
Measured: At rest (before the test), directly after the test, and after 1-hour and 24-hour recovery periods.
Changes from baseline in dopamine level.
Concentration of dopamine [ng/mL]. Immunoenzymatic assay method using a diagnostic ELISA Kit
Measured: At rest (before the test), directly after the test, and after 1-hour and 24-hour recovery periods.
Changes from baseline in beta-endorphin level.
Concentration of beta-endorphin [ng/mL]. Immunoenzymatic assay method using a diagnostic ELISA Kit
Measured: At rest (before the test), directly after the test, and after 1-hour and 24-hour recovery periods.
Changes from baseline in anandamide level.
Concentration of anandamide [ng/mL]. Immunoenzymatic assay method using a diagnostic ELISA Kit
Measured: At rest (before the test), directly after the test, and after 1-hour and 24-hour recovery periods.
Changes from baseline in 2-arachidonoyl glycerol level.
Concentration of 2-arachidonoyl glycerol [ng/mL]. Immunoenzymatic assay method using a diagnostic ELISA Kit
Measured: At rest (before the test), directly after the test, and after 1-hour and 24-hour recovery periods.
Competitive Anxiety Profile Before Exercise Test Using SCAT Questionnaire
The Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT) measures trait anxiety levels related to competitive situations in athletes. The SCAT questionnaire provides a score ranging from 10 to 30 points.
Higher scores indicate higher levels of competitive anxiety, which is considered a worse outcome in terms of psychological readiness for competition.
Lower scores suggest lower levels of trait anxiety and better psychological preparedness.
Measured: Before the 2000-meter exercise test (baseline, at rest)
Cognitive, Somatic Anxiety, and Confidence Before and After Exercise Using CSAI-2R Questionnaire
The Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 Revised (CSAI-2R) measures the intensity of cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety, and self-confidence in athletes before and after competitive performance. Each subscale of the CSAI-2R provides a score ranging from 9 to 36 points.
For Cognitive Anxiety and Somatic Anxiety, higher scores indicate higher levels of anxiety, which are considered a worse outcome regarding psychological readiness.
For Self-Confidence, higher scores indicate greater confidence, which is considered a better outcome.
Measured: Before the 2000-meter exercise test (baseline, at rest)
Coping Strategies for Sport Stress Using CICS Questionnaire
The Coping Inventory for Competitive Sport (CICS) assesses athletes' coping strategies in response to competition-related stress. It measures task-oriented, distraction-oriented, and disengagement-oriented coping styles.
Each subscale of the CICS (Task-Oriented Coping, Distraction-Oriented Coping, and Disengagement-Oriented Coping) provides a score ranging from 5 to 25 points.
For Task-Oriented Coping, higher scores indicate more significant use of effective, adaptive coping strategies, which is considered a better outcome.
For Distraction-Oriented Coping and Disengagement-Oriented Coping, higher scores indicate more significant use of less effective or maladaptive coping strategies, which is considered a worse outcome.
Measured: Before the 2000-meter exercise test (baseline, at rest)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted8 Apr 2025
- Study start20 Oct 2023
- Primary completion25 Oct 2023
- Study completion2 Dec 2023
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for HealthyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Retrospective
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Poznan University of Physical Education
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Anna Skarpańska-Stejborn, Professor, Study director, Poznań University of Physical Education, Faculty of Sport Sciences in Gorzów Wielkopolski, Poland;
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06917677
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Rowers 2023a
- Status last verified
- Oct 2023
- First submitted
- 1 Apr 2025
- Last updated
- 8 Jul 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 8 Jul 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Hormonal Balance in the Mobilization-Fatigue-Recovery Cycle: Dynamics of the Physiological and Psychological Response to Pre-Competitive Stress
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06917677
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Rowers 2023a
- Conditions
- Healthy
- Keywords
- Athletes, Fatigue, Recovery, Anxiety
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Poznan University of Physical EducationUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 20 Oct 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 25 Oct 2023 (actual)
- Study completion
- 2 Dec 2023 (actual)
- First posted
- 8 Apr 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This observational study investigates how elite athletes respond physiologically and psychologically to pre-competitive stress in the context of a high-stakes performance test. The study focuses on the dynamic changes in stress-related hormonal biomarkers and self-reported psychological states across three key phases: mobilization (pre-exercise anticipation), fatigue (immediate post-effort), and recovery (1 hour and 24 hours post-exercise). The performance test serves as part of a qualification process for national and international championship competitions, providing an ecologically valid model of competitive stress. Blood samples and validated psychological questionnaires are used to assess hormonal fluctuations and subjective stress responses at four time points.
The main question it aims to answer is:
How do key hormonal markers and self-reported psychological stress levels change across the mobilization-fatigue-recovery cycle surrounding a competitive performance?
Detailed description
Elite athletes frequently experience intense psychological and physiological stress before and during high-stakes competitions. While a certain level of pre-competitive stress is necessary for optimal performance, excessive or poorly regulated stress can negatively affect both performance outcomes and recovery. The body's response to stress involves complex neuroendocrine mechanisms, including the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the release of stress-related hormones and neuromodulators. These include cortisol, testosterone, dopamine, serotonin, β-endorphins, and endocannabinoids such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).
This observational cohort study aims to explore the dynamic changes in both hormonal and psychological stress responses across four time points-before, immediately after, 1 hour after, and 24 hours after-a standardized, high-intensity rowing performance test. This test is part of the official national team selection process and simulates the psychological and physical demands of real-world competition, making it an ecologically valid model for investigating stress.
Participants are elite rowers (men and women) who are current members of the national team. The test represents a critical selection tool for major championship events (e.g., World and National Championships), creating a natural, high-pressure environment to study pre-competitive stress. All participants provide blood samples at four time points and complete validated psychological questionnaires (including CSAI-2 and SCAT) before the test.
The study's primary outcomes include blood concentrations of stress- and motivation-related hormones (cortisol, testosterone, dopamine, serotonin, β-endorphin, anandamide, 2-AG), and scores from standardized psychological stress inventories assessing cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety, and self-confidence. These variables are evaluated across the mobilization-fatigue-recovery cycle to capture both immediate and delayed responses to competitive stress.
Secondary outcomes include anthropometric measurements (height, body weight, body mass index, body composition, and training history), which will be used to describe the participant cohort and assess potential moderating factors.
This study is novel in its scope and methodology, integrating a broad panel of biological stress markers with subjective psychological assessments across multiple time points. While previous research has focused primarily on cortisol in isolated pre- or post-competition measures, this study tracks dynamic, time-resolved changes across the full stress-recovery spectrum. Furthermore, the inclusion of dopamine, β-endorphins, and endocannabinoids represents a rare and innovative attempt to explore less-studied but potentially critical components of the athlete stress response.
This study will provide new insights into the mechanisms of resilience, adaptation, and recovery in elite sport by evaluating how hormonal and psychological indicators shift together or diverge. Findings may help coaches, sports psychologists, and medical professionals better monitor athlete well-being, identify signs of overreaching or maladaptive stress, and develop more personalized strategies for performance readiness and mental support.
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Retrospective
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Rowers | – | Behavioral: 2000-meter maximal effort test on rowing ergometerA single group of national-level rowers performing a 2000-meter maximal effort test as part of a qualification process. All participants undergo the same protocol with repeated measurements before and after exercise. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 19 to 24 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
- Study population
- The Polish Youth Rowing Team
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Aged 18-24 years
- Member of the national rowing team
- Actively participating in training and selection processes
- Medically cleared for high-intensity exercise by a team physician
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Current injury or illness affecting physical performance
- Use of medications that may influence hormonal or psychological responses (e.g., corticosteroids, antidepressants, hormonal therapies)
- Diagnosed neurological, or endocrine disorders
- Refusal to provide blood samples or complete questionnaires
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| 2000-meter maximal effort test on rowing ergometerParticipants will perform a 2000-meter maximal effort test on a Concept II rowing ergometer, aiming to complete the distance in the shortest possible time. The test simulates a competitive race and serves as a qualification trial. It will be conducted under medical supervision and is intended to induce a high level of physiological and psychological stress representative of elite competition. | Behavioural | Rowers |
Primary outcome
Changes from baseline in cortisol level.
Time frame: At rest (before the test), directly after the test, and after 1-hour and 24-hour recovery periods.
Concentration of cortisol [ng/ml]. Immunoenzymatic assay method using a diagnostic ELISA Kit
Changes from baseline in testosterone level.
Time frame: At rest (before the test), directly after the test, and after 1-hour and 24-hour recovery periods.
Concentration of testosterone [ng/mL]. Immunoenzymatic assay method using a diagnostic ELISA Kit
Changes from baseline in serotonin level.
Time frame: At rest (before the test), directly after the test, and after 1-hour and 24-hour recovery periods.
Concentration of serotonin [ng/mL]. Immunoenzymatic assay method using a diagnostic ELISA Kit
Changes from baseline in dopamine level.
Time frame: At rest (before the test), directly after the test, and after 1-hour and 24-hour recovery periods.
Concentration of dopamine [ng/mL]. Immunoenzymatic assay method using a diagnostic ELISA Kit
Changes from baseline in beta-endorphin level.
Time frame: At rest (before the test), directly after the test, and after 1-hour and 24-hour recovery periods.
Concentration of beta-endorphin [ng/mL]. Immunoenzymatic assay method using a diagnostic ELISA Kit
Changes from baseline in anandamide level.
Time frame: At rest (before the test), directly after the test, and after 1-hour and 24-hour recovery periods.
Concentration of anandamide [ng/mL]. Immunoenzymatic assay method using a diagnostic ELISA Kit
Changes from baseline in 2-arachidonoyl glycerol level.
Time frame: At rest (before the test), directly after the test, and after 1-hour and 24-hour recovery periods.
Concentration of 2-arachidonoyl glycerol [ng/mL]. Immunoenzymatic assay method using a diagnostic ELISA Kit
Competitive Anxiety Profile Before Exercise Test Using SCAT Questionnaire
Time frame: Before the 2000-meter exercise test (baseline, at rest)
The Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT) measures trait anxiety levels related to competitive situations in athletes. The SCAT questionnaire provides a score ranging from 10 to 30 points. Higher scores indicate higher levels of competitive anxiety, which is considered a worse outcome in terms of psychological readiness for competition. Lower scores suggest lower levels of trait anxiety and better psychological preparedness.
Cognitive, Somatic Anxiety, and Confidence Before and After Exercise Using CSAI-2R Questionnaire
Time frame: Before the 2000-meter exercise test (baseline, at rest)
The Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 Revised (CSAI-2R) measures the intensity of cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety, and self-confidence in athletes before and after competitive performance. Each subscale of the CSAI-2R provides a score ranging from 9 to 36 points. For Cognitive Anxiety and Somatic Anxiety, higher scores indicate higher levels of anxiety, which are considered a worse outcome regarding psychological readiness. For Self-Confidence, higher scores indicate greater confidence, which is considered a better outcome.
Coping Strategies for Sport Stress Using CICS Questionnaire
Time frame: Before the 2000-meter exercise test (baseline, at rest)
The Coping Inventory for Competitive Sport (CICS) assesses athletes' coping strategies in response to competition-related stress. It measures task-oriented, distraction-oriented, and disengagement-oriented coping styles. Each subscale of the CICS (Task-Oriented Coping, Distraction-Oriented Coping, and Disengagement-Oriented Coping) provides a score ranging from 5 to 25 points. For Task-Oriented Coping, higher scores indicate more significant use of effective, adaptive coping strategies, which is considered a better outcome. For Distraction-Oriented Coping and Disengagement-Oriented Coping, higher scores indicate more significant use of less effective or maladaptive coping strategies, which is considered a worse outcome.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 8 Jul 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Anna Skarpańska-Stejborn, Professor study director
Poznań University of Physical Education, Faculty of Sport Sciences in Gorzów Wielkopolski, Poland;
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Healthy, run by Poznan University of Physical Education at 1 site in Poland.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 8 Jul 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Poland. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Changes from baseline in cortisol level. (time frame: At rest (before the test), directly after the test, and after 1-hour and 24-hour recovery periods.). The study lists 10 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 8 Jul 2025; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 8 Nov 2026.