The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of a simulated futsal match on salivary cortisol (sC) and immunoglobulin A (SIgA) concentrations in 10 male elite players. Saliva sampling was conducted before and after the futsal match, and, subsequently, the samples were analyzed by ELISA. The internal training load was evaluated by means of session rating of perceived exertion method. The effect size (ES) analysis showed a large increase (ES=1.07) for Cs and a large decrease (ES=-1.36) for SIgA from pre to post-match. There was a significant correlation (r=0.66) between internal training load and Cs response. The results of the present study indicate that a simulated match can modulate immune-endocrine response. The adoption of strategies to monitor salivary responses (Cs and SIgA) associated with psychometric tools could help the planning and the adjustment of training loads.
Cortisol; Immunoglobulin A; Training load; Saliva
