Hormonal and psychological adaptation in elite male rowers during prolonged training

• Published in: Journal of sports sciences 2006-10, Vol.24 (10), p.1075-1082
• Main Authors: Purge, P., Jürimäe, J., Jürimäe, T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptation, Psychological; Adolescent; Adult; Analysis of Variance; Biological and medical sciences; Biomarkers - blood; Body Composition; Cortisol; Creatine Kinase - blood; Exercise Tolerance; Fasting - blood; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Growth Hormone - blood; Hormones - blood; Humans; Hydrocortisone - blood; Male; Oxygen Consumption; perceived recovery-stress state; Physical Education and Training; Physical Endurance; preparatory period; Rest; rowers; Ships; Sports; Stress, Physiological - blood; testosterone; Testosterone - blood; Vertebrates: body movement. Posture. Locomotion. Flight. Swimming. Physical exercise. Rest. Sports
• ISSN: 0264-0414; 1466-447X
• DOI: 10.1080/02640410500432516

In this study, we examined possible hormonal and psychological changes in elite male rowers during a 24-week preparatory period. Eleven elite male rowers were tested on seven occasions over the 6-month training season. Fasting testosterone, growth hormone, cortisol, and creatine kinase activity, together with perceived recovery-stress state were evaluated after a day of rest. Maximal oxygen consumption ([Vdot]O 2max ) was determined before and after the training period. Training was mainly organized as low-intensity prolonged training sessions. Significant increases in [Vdot]O 2max (from 6.2 ± 0.5 to 6.4 ± 0.6 l · min −1 ) were observed as a result of training. The overall perceived recovery-stress index did not change during the preparatory period. Standardized recovery and stress scores changed during the course of training in comparison with pre-training values. When basal hormone concentrations were compared with the first measurement, significant changes in testosterone and cortisol were observed together with changes in mean weekly training volume. Basal testosterone (r = 0.416; P = 0.010) and cortisol (r = 0.527; P = 0.001) were related to mean weekly training volume. Basal growth hormone did not change during the training. Changes in creatine kinase activity demonstrated similar pattern with changes in mean weekly training volume. The overall perceived recovery-stress index was related to testosterone, cortisol, growth hormone, and creatine kinase activity (r > 0.299; P