OBJECTIVES: 1) investigate the influence of strength training periodization on profile of mood state (POMS) and salivary cortisol responses and 2) to verify the occurrence of the "iceberg profile" in the Brazilian women basketball team. METHOD: The study was conducted during the preparation period for the 2009 AMERICAN CUP, which included three discrete microcycles of strength training goals (Muscular Endurance, Maximum Strength and Power). The athletes provided saliva samples and subsequently answered the short-POMS questionnaire at baseline and following each microcycle. RESULTS: ANOVA with repeated measures revealed no significant differences for mood state and cortisol responses during the observation period. CONCLUSION: The strength training periodization did not affect the salivary cortisol or mood state response in the lead up to competition, indicating stability of the stress level. The "iceberg profile" was observed at all times evaluated.
resistance training; mood disorders; cortisol
