Comparison of Serum Cortisol Levels in Athletes and Esports Athletes

• Faheem Butt

  Department of Zoology, Lahore Garrison University, DHA, Lahore, Pakistan

  Author

• Uzma Rafi

  Department of Zoology, Lahore Garrison University, DHA, Lahore, Pakistan

  Author

• Muhammad Amir Iqbal

  Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Q-A Campus, Lahore, 54590, Pakistan

  Author

• Sehrish Yasmeen

  Department of Zoology, Lahore Garrison University, DHA, Lahore, Pakistan

  Author

• Aasia Sharif

  Department of Zoology, University of Gujrat, Pakistan

  Author

• Farwa Liaqat

  Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Q-A Campus, Lahore, 54590, Pakistan

  Author

Background: Physically active games like soccer, basketball and cycling promote cardiovascular health, improve muscle strength and enhance overall fitness. While physically inactive games may lead to sedentary lifestyle issues like obesity, poor posture and lower metabolism if not balanced with physical activity.

Materials and Methods: The study was designed to evaluate the impact of physically active athletes and esports athletes on cortisol and blood sugar level. A total of forty subjects were recruited in the study. Out of which 20 subjects were athletes and 20 subjects were esports athletes. Serum cortisol and blood glucose were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results: The findings of the study showed that serum cortisol and blood glucose was significantly increased (P < 0.001) in esports athletes as compared to athletes with mild elevation of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in esports athletes as compared to athletes.

Conclusion: Esports athletes have high levels of cortisol, blood glucose, with elevated systolic and diastolic blood. Sedentary lifestyle may lead cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes, osteoporosis etc. diseases.

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Copyright (c) 2025 Faheem Butt, Uzma Rafi, Muhammad Amir Iqbal, Sehrish Yasmeen, Aasia Sharif, Farwa Liaqat (Author)

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