An influence of mental stress related to parachute jumping on ACTH and cortisol levels in blood serum

Aim. The purpose of this research was to estimate the influence of parachute jumps on the level of corticotropin (ACTH) and cortisol hormones among professional soldiers from air-borne forces. Method. The study was carried out on 46 professional soldiers from 16 Air Borne Battalion, patients of Outpatient Department – SPZOZ JW. 4495 males, at the age of 20 to 45, healthy – admitted to parachute jumping in air – borne forces. The soldiers were divided into groups according to their knowledge and experience in parachuting. They had circuit venous blood taken to examine the level of ACTH and cortisol hormones three times during the experiment: on a day free from jumping, on the day of parachute jump, and 24 hours after the jump. Additionally, in order to estimate the level of nervous tension and mental stress, on every stage of the experiment personal questionnaires in accordance with the STAI were carried out. Results. The results show the influence of psychological stress related to parachute jumps on the level of ACTH and cortisol hormones, depending on the experience of the examined group in parachuting.