Salivary volume in response to graded exercise

Abstract

Introduction: The aim in this study was to analyze the saliva volume in response to progressive physical exercise with using the Salivette method of saliva collection. Methods: Five college students (22±2 years; 70.4±7.8 kg; 178.4±6.5 cm) underwent a graded cycle ergometer exercise up to volitional exhaustion. Saliva samples were collected with Salivette kits after the warm-up (baseline), at the end of each stage and at the fifth and tenth minutes after the exercise. Saliva volume was indirectly determined by double weighing. Friedman ANOVA was used to compare the baseline volume in relation to stages and recovery (p<0.05). Results: The mean weight of the saliva did not change during the exercise or recovery (χ2(7)=11.467; p>0.05). Conclusion: It is assumed that changes in the concentrations of salivary components do not depend on salivary volume. This finding adds quality in the methodological questions for the use of saliva as a noninvasive alternative to experiments in the field of physical exercise.