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Published on: October 17, 2018
Acute salivary hormone responses to complex exercise bouts.
C Martyn Beaven1, Nicholas D Gill, John R Ingram
1Institute of Sport and Recreation Research, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand. MBeaven@hortresearch
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|August 13, 2010
Summary
Complex training, combining resistance and plyometric exercises, may enhance anabolic hormones. The strength-power sequence showed the greatest hormonal response, suggesting an improved environment for muscle adaptation.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Complex training integrates resistance and plyometric exercises for superior functional gains.
- Steroid hormones influence exercise adaptation, and complex training may optimize the anabolic environment.
- Investigating acute hormonal responses to different complex training sequences is crucial for understanding adaptation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the acute salivary testosterone and cortisol responses to varied complex training sequences.
- To determine if the order of resistance and power exercise blocks influences hormonal milieu.
- To assess the impact of exercise sequence on subsequent strength and power performance.
Main Methods:
- 16 semiprofessional rugby players participated in a crossover study.
- Four exercise bouts were performed: power-power, power-strength, strength-power, and strength-strength.
- Salivary samples were collected pre-, during, and post-exercise, with specific rest periods between sets and blocks.
Main Results:
- The strength-power bout elicited the greatest hormonal response: a 13% increase in testosterone and a 27% increase in cortisol.
- Significant differences in testosterone (10%) and cortisol (29%) were observed between strength-power and power-power bouts immediately post-exercise.
- The preceding exercise block minimally affected subsequent strength and power performance.
Conclusions:
- The strength-power exercise sequence appears to create a more favorable anabolic hormonal environment for adaptation.
- Understanding these hormonal dynamics can inform training program design for athletes.
- Complex training, particularly the strength-power order, warrants further investigation for optimizing athletic performance.
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