Investigating of the Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioural Strategies Training on Salivary Cortisol levels of Beginner Runners: Follow up 3 Month

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of eight weeks of cognitive-behavioural strategies training on salivary cortisol level with follow up 3 months in beginner runner athletes. The present study was semi- experimental and pre-test and post-test- follow up design. 20 endurance runners of male teenagers aged between 16-18 years old were randomly assigned into two groups: cognitive-behavioural strategies training and control group. The intervention protocol consisted of 8 sessions and a daily home assignment performed with the help of a clinical psychologist. Data were analyzed using mixed ANOVA. The results of study showed that cognitive-behavioural strategies training led to reduction of salivary cortisol concentration in post-test and follow up phases in the experimental group. The results suggested that training cognitive-behavioural strategies training can be used as an effective way to reduce levels of salivary cortisol in runners.