Significant strength gains observed in rugby players after specific resistance exercise protocols based on individual salivary testosterone responses

• Autores: Martyn C. Beaven, Christian J. Cook, Nicholas D. Gill
• Localización: Journal of strength and conditioning research: the research journal of the NSCA, ISSN 1064-8011, Vol. 22, Nº. 2, 2008, págs. 419-425
• Idioma: inglés
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• Dialnet Métricas: 3 Citas
• Resumen

  • Our previous work has demonstrated that professional athletes show protocol-dependent variability in salivary testosterone (T) responses to resistance exercise (RE). The current study examines the consistency and functional outcomes of prescribing a RE regimen based on T response. We hypothesized that prescribing an individual-specific RE protocol based on T response would enhance weight training gains. Sixteen amateur rugby players [(mean ± SD) age: 20 ± 2 years; height: 181.5 ± 8.2 cm; weight: 94.2 ± 11.1 kg] were characterized by their maximal (Tmax) and minimal (Tmin) T response to four RE protocols: four sets of 10 repetitions (reps) at 70% of one repetition maximum (1 RM) with 2 minutes' rest between sets (4 x 10-709/o); three sets of five reps at 85% 1 RM with 3 minutes' rest (3 x 5-85%); five sets of 15 reps at 55% of 1 RM with 1 minute's rest (5 x 15-559/o); and three sets of 5 reps at 40% 1 RM with 3 minutes' rest (3 X 5-40%). Eight athletes then performed a 3-week training block performing only their Tmax protocol. The remaining eight only performed Tmin. After 3 weeks, the athletes were retested on the RE protocols and then crossed over and performed the alternate 3-week training block. All 16 athletes showed significant increases in estimated bench and leg press 1 RM strength and bodyweight while performing Tmax. When Tmin was performed, 75% of athletes showed either no change or a significant decline in 1 RM performance. Consistent protocol-responses over the experimental period were seen for both the Tmax and Tmin protocols in 12 of 16 athletes. Thus, a relationship between an individual's biologically available T response to RE and enhanced functional gains is reported.