CHANGES IN SALIVA DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE IN FEMALE FOOTBALL PLAYERS DURING COMPETITIVE SPORTS

[Objective] The aim of this investigation was to evaluate salivary dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) responses during a competitive period among female football players. [Methods] Subjects were college female football players (n=9) . Saliva and blood samples were collected at 18 : 00 (6 : 00 pm) and the profile of mood state (POMS) was recorded during a period of normal training (Pre), 3 days of competition (Competition), and a recovery period (Post) . Levels of salivary DHEA, cortisol, and serum creatin kinase (CK), urea nitorogen (UN), were determined. [Results] The levels of salivary DHEA significantly increased during competition (2 nd days) compared with Pre (p