Cortisol and insulin behaviors during an ultramarathon event: are they real markers of extreme exertion?

Background: The current work aimed to describe and compare the cortisol and insulin concentrations behavior and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) during a 115 km ultramarathon race.

Methods: Nine ultrarunners (eight males) were evaluated six times (0, 37, 60, 76, 89 and 115 km). At each moment, saliva samples (for cortisol and insulin assessment) and RPE (CR10 scale) were collected. Statistical analysis included correlation, one-way repeated measure ANOVA, and Statistical Parametric Mapping to define discrete and continues changes and compare cortisol, insulin and RPE profiles.

Results: Our main findings revealed an early peak in cortisol and RPE, accompanied by a decline in insulin responses (402±49 min of the race, P<0.05). Cortisol and insulin only showed magnitude differences with inverse behaviors until ~6% (7 km) of the ultramarathon duration. Cortisol and RPE presented similar behaviors, rising from the beginning of the race and remaining elevated throughout the race (η²=0.91 and η²=1.0, P<0.001). Insulin levels decreased when the race started, remaining below 60% of baseline values from the midpoint to the end of the race (P=0.04).

Conclusions: The study showed an imbalance in the catabolic/anabolic hormone profile during an ultramarathon race, with a prominence in catabolic state. It should be considered in the ultramarathon races preparation and participation due to its possible detrimental effect on the athlete's health.