Effect of 6-week combined training on salivary cortisol levels, total Olympic lifting performance and anxiety levels in elite male Olympic weightlifters

BackgroundWeightlifting is one of the Olympic sports. Stress and anxiety are highly prevalent in sports and higher stress and anxiety levels seem to affect performance. There are several training methods used to enhance performance. However, there seems to be a scarcity of studies regarding the effect of training on psycho-physiological measures of performance.AimThe present study aimed to investigate the effect of a combined high- and low-volume training program on the levels of salivary cortisol, maximum total Olympic lift performance (sum of snatch, and clean and jerk), and anxiety levels (somatic anxiety, cognitive anxiety, and self-confidence).MethodsTwelve elite male Olympic weightlifters underwent a 6-week training protocol and levels of salivary cortisol, maximum total Olympic lift performance, and anxiety levels were assessed at baseline, mid-intervention (3rd week), and post-intervention (6th week). Appropriate statistical tests were utilized for data analysis.ResultsResults showed a significant effect of training on salivary cortisol level, total Olympic lifting performance, and somatic anxiety from baseline to the mid of training (p < 0.01) and also from mid of training to post-training (p < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference in cognitive anxiety and self-confidence level from baseline to the mid of training to post-training (p > 0.05).ConclusionsA combined high- and low-volume training program of 6 weeks tends to decrease anxiety and improves the total Olympic weightlifting performance and salivary cortisol levels in elite Olympic weightlifters. This information may be utilized in the training of weightlifters to enhance performance, targeting the psycho-physiological components.