Leptin response to acute prolonged exercise after training in rowers

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Endocrinology
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Leptin is a key hormone regulating energy balance and body weight.
• The impact of prolonged endurance training on leptin dynamics requires further investigation.
• Understanding hormonal adaptations to training is crucial for optimizing athletic performance and health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the training effect on resting and exercise-induced leptin levels in rowers over an 8-month season.
• To examine the relationship between leptin, insulin, energy balance, and anthropometric changes during training.
• To determine if rowing training alters the acute exercise response of leptin.

Main Methods:

• Eleven trained rowers were assessed at three time points: control, early season, and late season.
• Leptin and insulin levels were measured pre-exercise, post-exercise, and at 120 minutes and 24 hours after 90 minutes of rowing.
• Anthropometric data and daily energy balance were recorded.

Main Results:

• Resting leptin levels remained stable throughout the season and correlated with weight and body fat.
• Acute exercise induced a delayed reduction in leptin, which was attenuated by late-season training.
• While insulin decreased post-exercise, a training effect was observed at 24 hours, suggesting hormonal interplay.

Conclusions:

• Eight months of rowing training did not alter resting leptin but attenuated the exercise-induced decrease in leptin.
• The observed changes in leptin response may be linked to adaptations in energy balance and insulin sensitivity.
• Training influences the hormonal response to acute exercise, highlighting the complexity of energy homeostasis in athletes.