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Int J Sports Med 2009; 30(7): 489-495
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1202340
Physiology & Biochemistry

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Endurance Training of Moderate Intensity Increases Testosterone Concentration in Young, Healthy Men

M. Grandys 1 , J. Majerczak 1 , K. Duda 1 , 2 , J. Zapart-Bukowska 1 , J. Kulpa 3 , J. A. Zoladz 1
  • 1Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University School of Physical Education, Krakow, Poland
  • 2Department of Surgical Oncology, Cancer Institute, Krakow, Poland
  • 3Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Cancer Institute, Krakow, Poland
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Publication History

accepted after revision December 23, 2008

Publication Date:
19 March 2009 (online)

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of short-term, moderate intensity and low volume endurance training on gonadal hormone profile in untrained men. Fifteen young, healthy men performed an endurance training of 5-week duration on a cycle ergometer. Before and after the exercise program all participants completed a maximal incremental test. Concentration of testosterone (T), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and cortisol (C) as well as blood morphology were determined in venous blood samples at rest both before and after the training. The training program resulted in 3.7% improvement of maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max) and 8.2% improvement of power output reached at V˙O2max (POmax). This was accompanied by significant increase in T (from 18.84±5.73 nmol·l−1 to 22.03±6.61 nmol·l−1, p = 0.0004) and calculated fT concentration (from 374±116 pmol·l−1 to 470±153 pmol·l−1, p = 0.00005). Moreover, the training caused a significant decrease in SHBG concentration (from 34.45±11.26 nmol·l−1 to 31.95±10.40 nmol·l−1, p = 0.01), whereas no significant changes were found in the cortisol concentration (334±138 nmol·l−1 vs. 367±135 nmol·l−1 for pre- and post-training measures, respectively, p = 0.50) and T/C and fT/C ratios. We have concluded that short-term, moderate intensity and low volume endurance training can significantly increase testosterone concentration in previously untrained men.

Key words

exercise - androgens - sex hormone-binding globulin - cortisol

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Correspondence

Prof. Dr. J. A. Zoladz

Department of Physiology and Biochemistry

Faculty of Rehabilitation University School of Physical Education

Al. Jana Pawla II 78

31-571 Krakow

Poland

Phone: 48/12/683 13 16

Fax: 48/12/683 13 16

Email: wfzoladz@cyf-kr.edu.pl