The effects of progressive resistance training on spermatogenesis and reproductive hormones in male rats

There is an extensive research on the effect of endurance training on the male reproductive system. However, the effect of resistance training on the male reproductive system is not clear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of resistance training on male reproductive function. Twenty male rats were divided randomly into two groups as control group and resistance training group (n=10). The resistance training consisted of climbing (5sessions/week, 4 reps/3 sets) a ladder carrying a load suspended from the tail. The weights were increased gradually throughout the 8 weeks of training, with the average weight at the end oftraining equal to 200% body wt. After the 8 week training protocol, rats were anesthetized in separated group and sampling was done. Serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone,testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone and prolactin were measured by radioimmunoassay method. The seminological profiles of all rats were assessed according to the Johnsen Scoremethods. Statistical analyses were performed using a Student’s independent t-test. After 8 weeks of training spermatogenesis quality significantly declined (P<0.05). In exercise group no significantly changes in sex hormones levels (testosterone, luteinizinghormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and prolactin) were observed (P>0.05).Discussion and These results suggested that progressive resistance training have negative regulatory effects on male reproductive system.