title: Testosterone and cortisol changes in professional basketball players through a season competition.
abstract: We analyze the outcome on testosterone (T) and cortisol (C) responses in 12 professional basketball players during a season of competition. Serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), C, total testosterone (TT), and free testosterone (FT) levels were analyzed in October, December, March, and April. A day after the games, blood samples were taken. Serum ACTH levels were maintained at the initial levels during the season. However, basal C significantly changed during the season, with lower levels in December and in April. Basal serum TT levels increased during the season until a maximum in March. No differences were presented in the TT values in December, March, and April. Basal FT presented high levels in October and December, followed by a low level in March, remaining low in April. The T/C increased during the season, attaining a maximum level in December, followed by a significant decrease in March. Free T/C ratio decreased during the season (lower level in March). In conclusion, the players maintained a good anabolic-catabolic balance. In our opinion, to prevent the stress provoked during the season, and control the recovery periods, it is useful to monitor C, T, and the level of training.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University School of Physiotherapy, University of Valladolid-Campus of Soria, Soria, Spain.a.cordova@bio.uva.es
authors.forename: Alfredo Cordova
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Martínez
authors.forename: Jesus
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Seco Calvo
authors.forename: Josep A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Tur Marí
authors.forename: Luis Carlos
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Abecia Inchaurregui
authors.forename: Enrique Echevarría
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Orella
authors.forename: Antoni Pons
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Biescas
mesh_terms: D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D056352:Athletes; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D001490:Basketball / Q000502:physiology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003163:Competitive Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D018763:Muscle Fatigue / Q000502:physiology; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D011336:Probability; D012621:Seasons; D013030:Spain; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D013739:Testosterone; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D006854:Hydrocortisone