Significant strength gains observed in rugby players after specific resistance exercise protocols based on individual salivary testosterone responses.
Our previous work has demonstrated that professional athletes show protocol-dependent variability in salivary testosterone (T) responses to resistance exercise (RE). The current study examines the consistency and functional outcomes of prescribing a RE regimen based on T response. We hypothesized that prescribing an individual-specific RE protocol based on T response would enhance weight training gains. Sixteen amateur rugby players [(mean +/- SD) age: 20 +/- 2 years; height: 181.5 +/- 8.2 cm; weight: 94.2 +/- 11.1 kg] were characterized by their maximal (Tmax) and minimal (Tmin) T response to four RE protocols: four sets of 10 repetitions (reps) at 70% of one repetition maximum (1RM) with 2 minutes' rest between sets (4 x10-70%); three sets of five reps at 85% 1RM with 3 minutes' rest (3 x 5-85%); five sets of 15 reps at 55% of 1RM with 1 minute's rest (5 x 15-55%); and three sets of 5 reps at 40% 1RM with 3 minutes' rest (3 x 5-40%). Eight athletes then performed a 3-week training block performing only their Tmax protocol. The remaining eight only performed Tmin. After 3 weeks, the athletes were retested on the RE protocols and then crossed over and performed the alternate 3-week training block. All 16 athletes showed significant increases in estimated bench and leg press 1RM strength and bodyweight while performing Tmax. When Tmin was performed, 75% of athletes showed either no change or a significant decline in 1RM performance. Consistent protocol-responses over the experimental period were seen for both the Tmax and Tmin protocols in 12 of 16 athletes. Thus, a relationship between an individual's biologically available T response to RE and enhanced functional gains is reported.
School of Sport and Exercise Science, Waikato Institute of Technology, The Horticulture and Food Research Institute of New Zealand Ltd., Hamilton, New Zealand. mbeaven@hortresearch.co.nz
C Martyn
CM
Beaven
Christian J
CJ
Cook
Nicholas D
ND
Gill
D000328:Adult; D005538:Football / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods*; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000032:analysis*
D013739:Testosterone