CONCLUSION
Based on the data collected in this study, physiological stress in a
long CrossFit® championship plays a significant role in the production
of cortisol and in the increased stimulation of the hypothalamic axis.
However, the normal cortisol secretion response suggests a physiological
adaptation or alteration in the cortisol receptor in the athletes
studied, which prevents salivary cortisol from increasing in a long
physical exercise session, as found in the research studies presented
below.
Further studies should repeat the salivary cortisol analysis in a larger
group during a long CrossFit® championship and include a group of men in
the sample. Also, they could measure salivary testosterone levels in
order to analyze the relation between cortisol/testosterone and sports
performance.