Testosterone and cortisol changes in professional basketball players through a season competition.
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.
Martínez
Alfredo Cordova
AC
Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University School of Physiotherapy, University of Valladolid-Campus of Soria, Soria, Spain.a.cordova@bio.uva.es
Seco Calvo
Jesus
J
Tur Marí
Josep A
JA
Abecia Inchaurregui
Luis Carlos
LC
Orella
Enrique Echevarría
EE
Biescas
Antoni Pons
AP
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
D013739:Testosterone; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D006854:Hydrocortisone