Objective:

Evaluate isokinetic muscle performance of the hamstring and quadriceps muscles in male handball players, as well as verify the effect of handball match on salivary cortisol and immunoglobulin A by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

Method:

The isokinetic parameters evaluated were peak torque, fatigue index, and hamstring/quadriceps peak torque ratio. Saliva samples were collected before and after a simulated handball match, as well as after 2 h of recovery. Analysis of saliva by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was based on infrared region of the pure substances (cortisol and human salivary cortisol and immunoglobulin A).

Results:

No significant difference was found between the non-dominant and dominant lower limb at 60 and 180°/s, in extension and flexion for variables of peak torque and fatigue index. The hamstring/quadriceps ratio at 60°/s was lower than at 180°/s. The main absorption bands of cortisol are in the region (1180-955 cm−1) and human salivary cortisol and immunoglobulin A bands in the region (1584-1489 cm−1). The saliva samples collected before and after match showed no significant difference. The variation of cortisol per playing positions was positively correlated with session rate of perceived exertion.

Conclusions:

The handball players had good muscle performance of the lower limbs in the isokinetic evaluation. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis identified the main absorption bands of cortisol and salivary cortisol and immunoglobulin A, as well as playing positions that demand higher stress levels, through changes of bands related to salivary cortisol.