Endogenous transient doping: physical exercise acutely increases testosterone levels-results from a meta-analysis
S D'Andrea1, G Spaggiari2, A Barbonetti1
1Department of Life, Health and Environment Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
Physical exercise acutely increases total testosterone (TT) and free testosterone (fT) levels in men. Moderate to high-intensity exercise, particularly when measured soon after activity, significantly boosts testosterone production.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Endogenous testosterone levels are influenced by exercise, but the acute effects remain debated.
- Understanding the dynamic regulation of androgens post-physical activity is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To meta-analyze the acute impact of physical exercise on testosterone levels in men.
- To assess changes in total testosterone (TT) and free testosterone (fT) following exercise.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search for longitudinal trials on acute testosterone changes post-physical activity in adult men.
- Sensitivity analyses conducted based on sample type, exercise intensity, and timing of sample collection.
Main Results:
- Forty-eight studies (126 trials, 569 participants) analyzed, showing an acute increase in TT (SMD 0.74) and fT.
- Testosterone levels rose significantly after moderate and high-intensity exercise, but not mild.
- Increases were observed immediately post-exercise and within 30 minutes, with no significant change in SHBG.
Conclusions:
- Acute physical activity, especially moderate/intense exercise, clearly elevates testosterone levels in men.
- The increase is acute and transitory, primarily influenced by exercise intensity.
- The mechanism appears largely independent of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) fluctuations.
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