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THE EFFECT OF ABBREVIATED PROGRESSIVE RELAXATION TRAINING ON CORTISOL LEVELS IN COLLEGIATE VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS

Abstract

Abbreviated Progressive Relaxation Training (APRT) is a relaxation technique that focuses on tensing and relaxing various major muscle groups. This relaxation technique has been shown to reduce cortisol levels in various demographic groups, including athletes. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of Abbreviated Progressive Relaxation Training on salivary cortisol and perceived stress (using the State Anxiety Inventory STAI Y-1) in collegiate women volleyball athletes. METHODS: 12 collegiate women volleyball players (mean age=20.33 ± 1.66 years) participated in this study. This study was composed of one control and one experimental trial. A baseline STAI-Y1 form and a saliva sample were taken 1 week prior to testing. STAI-Y1 forms and saliva samples were collected before and after APRT was administered. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in post APRT intervention STAI Y-1 scores t(12)=4.005, p=0.002. A paired samples t-test was conducted to compare pre intervention and post intervention STAI scores. There was a significant difference in the pre intervention (38.6 ± 11.2) and post intervention (29.3 ± 6.3) scores t(12)=4.005, p=0.002. Cortisol levels showed a slightly lower level post APRT intervention (.19 mg/dL ± .11) than pre APRT intervention (.21 mg/dL ± .14). CONCLUSION: The use of APRT may reduce perceived anxiety levels in pre competitive collegiate volleyball athletes, however the change in cortisol levels is still inconclusive.

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