title: Role of free testosterone in interpreting physical performance in elite young Brazilian soccer players.
abstract: This study investigated the contribution of salivary testosterone (sT) concentration, years from peak height velocity (YPHV) and height by body mass interaction on jumping performance (Countermovement jump; CMJ) and aerobic fitness (Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test, level 1) in young elite soccer players. Forty-five participants (age: 12.5 ± 0.5 y; body mass: 48.6 ± 10.2 kg, height: 155.7 ± 10.0cm) belonging to a top level Brazilian soccer club were evaluated at four time points across a single semester. None of the assessed players had reached PHV. The data from the four evaluations were averaged and multiple linear regression analysis conducted. For CMJ, the model explained 42.88% of the variance (R2 = 42.88; p < .000); sT concentration was the primary contributor (R2 = 32.84) and the YPHV contributed 9.95% of the variance. The model explained 28.50% (p < .000) of the variance in Yo-Yo. The sT was the primary and single significant contributor (R2 = 21.32). A significant difference was noted between high and low testosterone groups divided a posteriori to CMJ performance (t = 3.35; p = .001). These results suggest an important role for hormonal status in interpreting physical performance in preadolescent soccer players.
authors.affiliation: School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Alexandre
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Moreira
authors.forename: Arnaldo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mortatti
authors.forename: Marcelo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aoki
authors.forename: Ademir
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Arruda
authors.forename: Camila
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Freitas
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Carling
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001827:Body Height; D001938:Brazil; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology; D011627:Puberty / Q000502:physiology*; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism; D012885:Skinfold Thickness; D012916:Soccer / Q000502:physiology*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D013739:Testosterone