Psychophysiological responses to competition among university swimmers

This study investigated anticipatory cortisol and pre-competitive anxiety of swimmers before competition. Fifteen university swimmers volunteered to participate in the study. Salivary cortisol and Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2R) were collected six days (6d) and two hours (2h) before competition. Results revealed higher somatic anxiety 2h compared to 6d prior to competition. No differences were observed in cortisol, cognitive anxiety, and self-confidence. Thus, somatic anxiety of swimmers increase in response to competition.