Concentrations of salivary testosterone, cortisol, and immunoglobulin  A after supra-maximal exercise in female adolescents.
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of supra-maximal exercise on circulating concentrations of salivary testosterone, salivary cortisol, and salivary immunoglobulin A in female adolescents. Nineteen apparently healthy females aged 15-16 years participated in this study. All participants completed 668 s sprints, interspersed with 30 s recovery intervals on a cycle ergometer. Salivary testosterone, cortisol, and immunoglobulin A samples were taken before and 5 min after exercise. Experimental procedures continued over two mornings, at least 3 h after a light breakfast. Participants refrained from performing any strenuous physical activity for at least 24 h prior to the exercise test. None of the participants were engaged in a structured training programme. The group mean (± s) for peak power output was 562 ± 113.0 W. Female adolescents recruited for this study showed no changes in salivary testosterone, cortisol or immunoglobulin A following repeated bouts of supra-maximal cycling (P > 0.05). To date, there has been a paucity of information concerning adolescents' hormonal and mucosal immune function responses to supra-maximal exercise. Our data provide further guidance with regard to physical activities and sports prescription for female adolescents. Further research, on a larger sample of females, is required to elucidate the physiological significance of these findings.
Thomas
N E
NE
Centre for Children and Young People's Health and Well-Being, School of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, UK. n.e.thomas@swansea.ac.uk
Leyshon
A
A
Hughes
M G
MG
Jasper
M A
MA
Davies
B
B
Graham
M R
MR
Bulloch
J M
JM
Baker
J S
JS
D000293:Adolescent; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000032:analysis*; D018928:Immunity, Mucosal; D007071:Immunoglobulin A, Secretory / Q000032:analysis*; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000032:analysis*
D007071:Immunoglobulin A, Secretory; D013739:Testosterone; D006854:Hydrocortisone