Background: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of aerobic and anaerobic training on anxiety and cortisol hormone secretion levels in the blood of young wrestlers. Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, of 200 wrestlers 20 volunteers (Ageed 17-20 years) who were selected on the basis of having high levels of anxiety were randomly divided into two groups of 10 each aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Tests used in this study included distance running of 2400 m for aerobic exercise group and running distance of 400 meters in three times for anaerobic exercise group. Results: The mean anxiety scores of the aerobic group decreased immediately after the test, while mean anxiety scores of the anaerobic group increased immediately after the test (P<0.015). Immediately after a training session of anaerobic test, serum cortisol increased, while it was vice versa in the aerobic group (P<0.01). Conclusion: Regarding the results of the research it can be said that one session of aerobic exercise was effective in decreasing anxiety of wrestlers and also a long-term continuation of these exercises reduces anxiety and the cortisol hormone level which leads to mental and emotional balance of athletes.

Keywords: Anxiety, Aerobic exercise, Anaerobic exercise, Cortisol.

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