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Changes in pain perception and hormones pre- and post-kumdo competition.
Jae Chan Choi1, Sunho Min, Young Ki Kim
1Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Brain Research Group, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, South Korea.
Hormones and Behavior
|September 6, 2013
Summary
Pre-competition stress in kumdo (kendo) athletes significantly alters hormones and pain perception, lowering pain ratings possibly to enhance performance. This shift in pain sensitivity may increase injury risk, necessitating caution.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Psychological stress from competition influences hormones and pain perception.
- Kumdo (kendo) practitioners experience intense competitive environments.
- Understanding hormonal and pain responses is crucial for athlete well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between kumdo competition, hormonal changes, and pain perception.
- To assess how pre-competition stress affects physiological markers and pain sensitivity.
- To explore potential links between competition experience and physiological responses.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen male kumdo practitioners underwent pain threshold and rating tests using thermal stimuli.
- Measurements included serum testosterone, cortisol, beta-endorphin, anxiety, blood pressure, and heart rate.
- Data collected 10 minutes pre-competition and 30 minutes post-competition.
Main Results:
- Pre-competition showed higher anxiety, pain threshold, testosterone/cortisol ratio, and blood pressure.
- Cortisol and pain ratings were significantly lower pre-competition compared to post-competition.
- Pain perception correlated with blood pressure, heart rate, beta-endorphins, and testosterone levels.
Conclusions:
- Severe pre-competition psychological stress in kumdo athletes is linked to reduced pain perception, potentially aiding performance.
- Altered pain sensitivity may elevate the risk of injury, highlighting the need for careful management.
- Hormonal and pain responses are significantly modulated by the competitive stress of kumdo.
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