Effects of resistance training periodization on performance and salivary immune-endocrine responses of elite female basketball players.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this paper was to examine the effects of resistance training periodization on the performance and salivary hormone-immune responses of elite female basketball players.


METHODS
Twelve female athletes were monitored across a 50 day period of resistance training that emphasized strength, endurance and power. One repetition maximum (1RM) strength, maximal repetitions at 50% 1RM and vertical jump performance was assessed pre- and post-training. Saliva samples were also collected at 0700, 0930, 1100 and 1730 hours and analyzed for testosterone (T), cortisol (C) and immunoglobulin A (IgA).


RESULTS
Improvements in 1RM strength, maximal repetitions and vertical jump performance were identified post-training (P<0.05). Training had no effect on salivary T and C concentrations, but the T:C ratio increased at 0730 hours (P<0.05) and IgA concentrations were lowered at 0930 and 1100 hours (P<0.05). The changes (∆ Pre-Post training) in strength and T concentrations were positively correlated at 0730 hours (P<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
A periodized approach to resistance training increased muscle performance in elite female basketball players, but only minor changes in the salivary T:C ratio and IgA were noted. Correlational analysis identified a possible role for early morning changes in T as a regulator of individual strength changes.
School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
J A
JA
Nunes
B T
BT
Crewther
L
L
Viveiros
D
D
De Rose
M S
MS
Aoki
D000328:Adult; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D001490:Basketball / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000378:metabolism; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000378:metabolism; D053580:Muscle Strength; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods*; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D013739:Testosterone; D006854:Hydrocortisone