Document Type : Research Paper I Open Access I Released under CC BY-NC 4.0 license
Authors
1 Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Kosar University of Bojnord, Bojnord, Iran
2 Department of Sports Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Zabol University, Zabol, Iran.
3 PhD student in Exercise Physiology, Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Khorasan Razavi, Iran / Physical Education Teacher, Modares Yazdi High School, District 1, Education, Yazd, Yazd,
Abstract
Introduction: Changes in adolescents’ lifestyle have posed serious challenges to their physical and mental health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different levels of physical activity on salivary stress biomarkers (cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase (sAA)) in adolescents. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 60 adolescent boys aged 14–16 years from District 1 of Yazd were voluntarily selected through simple random sampling and divided into three groups of inactive, active, and athletic (n=20 each) based on Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire scores. Morning saliva samples (8–9 a.m.) were collected to control for circadian fluctuations and cortisol and sAA concentrations were measured using ELISA kits (DiaMetra, Italy for cortisol; Eastbiopharm, China for sAA). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni and James-Howell post-hoc tests in SPSS version 16 (significance level p ≤ 0.05). Results: The results revealed that cortisol (p = 0.004) and sAA (p < 0.001) levels were significantly lower in the athletic and active groups compared to the inactive group, with the greatest reduction observed in the athletic group. Conclusion: Regular physical activity, especially at high levels, can significantly reduce salivary stress biomarkers (cortisol and sAA) through modulation of the HPA axis and autonomic nervous system, and serves as an effective non-pharmacological intervention to reduce stress and promote mental health in adolescents.
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