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.