Response of semen parameters to three training modalities.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of different training modalities on various markers of semen quality.


METHODS
Crossover study.


METHODS
Medical school.


METHODS
Forty-five men participated voluntarily in the study, being allocated into three groups according to their sports practice.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Sperm parameters (volume, liquefaction time, pH, viscosity, sperm count, motility, and morphology).


RESULTS
Sperm concentration; total sperm number; type "a," "b," and "d" velocity; and morphology were significantly different among the practitioners of the three different training modalities. Morphology was the parameter showing the greatest difference, even reaching clinical relevance for the triathlete group (4.7%, poor prognosis pattern). In addition, these parameters tended to decrease as training requirements increased.


CONCLUSIONS
There are differences in the seminal profiles of individuals exercising in different modalities. The differences are more marked as intensity and volume of exercise increase, especially for morphology. These variables ought to be carefully analyzed and taken into account when designing a training protocol, especially with higher-level athletes, so that reproductive function is not compromised.
Vaamonde
Diana
D
Morphological Sciences Department, School of Medicine, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain. fivresearch@yahoo.com
Da Silva-Grigoletto
Marzo Edir
ME
García-Manso
Juan Manuel
JM
Vaamonde-Lemos
Ricardo
R
Swanson
Robert James
RJ
Oehninger
Sergio Carlos
SC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D011379:Prognosis; D018456:Reproductive Medicine; D012661:Semen / Q000502:physiology*; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult