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The salivary testosterone and cortisol response to three loading schemes
Blair Crewther1, John Cronin, Justin Keogh
1Health and Food Group, Hort Research, Auckland, New Zealand. BCrewther@Hortresearch.co.nz
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|February 26, 2008
Summary
Resistance training volume, not intensity, significantly impacts salivary testosterone and cortisol. Hypertrophy training, characterized by higher load volume, elicits greater hormonal responses crucial for muscle growth.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Sports Science
Background:
- Resistance training elicits acute hormonal responses, including testosterone and cortisol.
- Understanding the influence of different training variables on these hormones is crucial for optimizing training protocols.
- Salivary hormone measurements offer a non-invasive method to assess endocrine responses to exercise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute salivary free hormone responses to different resistance training schemes in recreationally weight-trained males.
- To compare the effects of power, hypertrophy, and maximal strength training protocols on testosterone and cortisol levels.
- To determine the relative importance of training variables like load volume, intensity, rest periods, and movement technique on hormonal responses.
Main Methods:
- Recreationally trained males performed squat workouts using power, hypertrophy, or maximal strength schemes.
- Training schemes were equated for duration, with power and strength schemes also equated for load volume.
- Salivary testosterone and cortisol concentrations were measured before and after each workout.
Main Results:
- The hypertrophy scheme significantly increased salivary testosterone and cortisol.
- Power and maximal strength schemes showed minimal hormonal changes.
- Hormonal responses to the hypertrophy scheme were significantly greater than those observed in the other two schemes.
- Similar hormonal responses between power and maximal strength schemes (equated for volume) suggest volume is a primary driver.
Conclusions:
- Load volume appears to be the most critical variable influencing acute endocrine responses to resistance exercise.
- Higher load volume, as seen in the hypertrophy scheme, stimulates greater testosterone and cortisol release.
- These hormonal changes may play a significant role in mediating the protein metabolism and muscle growth adaptations to training.
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