The effect of progressive interval training on serum testosterone to cortisol ratio in elite male karate athletes

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of progressive interval training on serum testosterone to cortisol ratio in elite male karate athletes. Fourteen healthy, physically active males karateka with aged 20.36±3.43 yr, height: 175.71±5.96 cm, weight: 73.43±5.76 kg were recruited for participation in this study. All subjects trained three days a week for five weeks. The intensity and duration of exercise increased from first to fourth weeks and then return to the level of beginning in the fifth week (taper). To identify the level of testosterone and cortisol at rest and after exercise, 10 ml venous blood samples were collected before and immediately after exercise at the beginning of first week and at the end of fourth and fifth weeks.The hormonal assays were performed by using commercially available Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA) kits. No Significant difference was observed between concentration of serum testosterone, cortisol and testosterone to cortisol ratio in week one compare to week four. However, with reduction of training intensity at fifth week the concentration of testosterone significantly decreased (P<0.05). For the base of these results, suggest that changes in volume and intensity of interval training with pattern of karate style not affected anabolic-catabolic balances.