Evaluation of the Psychological and Hormonal Parameters in Paragliding

Background: Paragliding is an extreme sport performed by gliding from a mountain at high altitude into the air. The authors aimed to determine the differences between the levels of adrenaline, cortisol, and insulin before and after the flight of tandem pilots and passengers flying for the first time, and to determine the relationship between these hormones and death anxiety and risk-taking levels. Materials and Methods: The study included 12 experienced male pilots and 15 male passengers flying for the first time. Heart rate and blood pressure were measured after the participants had filled in Personal Information Form, DOSPERT Risk-Taking Scale and Death Anxiety Scale before the flight. Blood samples were taken before and after the flight to determine adrenaline, cortisol, and insulin levels. Results: Adrenaline and cortisol levels, as well as heart rate, increased significantly after the flight, while insulin levels decreased significantly in the passenger group (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the pilot group. Conclusions: The experience factor plays an important role in the positive effect of paragliding flight on cortisol, adrenaline, insulin, and various physiological parameters, as well as mediates the adaptation of the organism to unusual situations. The human organism adapts physiologically and hormonally to the flying action. One of the striking results of the study was that cortisol levels were at the upper limit of normal values in the passenger group after the flight.