The effect of 70 percent reduction in training load during the tapering on serum levels of cortisol , testosterone , the ratio of testosterone to cortisol and performance changes in trained swimmers

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of 70percent reduction in training loade during the tapering on serum levels of cortisol, testosterone and performance changes in trained swimmers

In this quasi-experimental study, 20 trained male swimmers were selected by available sampling method and participated voluntarily in the study. Then based on the record of 200m freestyle, the subjects were divided into two groups: Taper(n=10) and control(n=10). Both groups initially Participated in6 weeks in incremental exercises training. Then the taper group spent the 14-day period with a 70% reduction in training load and the control group continued training with the same load as before. In both groups, performance tests (upper and lower body strength) and blood samples (for measurement of serum testosterone, cortisol and testosterone / cortisol ratio) were taken at the beginning of the taper and after the end of this period. For determination of testosterone and cortisol levels, ELISA kits was used. Data were analyzed using, paired t-, and covariance tests.

The results indicated that after the tapering , there was a significant difference between the two groups in swimming performance (200m freestyle), upper and lower strength, serum cortisol levels, and the ratio of testosterone to cortisol(P< 0/05). However, there was no significant difference in testosterone levels between the two groups(P> 0/05).

The findings of this study showed that taper plan with 14-days, improved anabolic conditions and performance in trained swimmers.