Association Between Endocrine Markers, Accumulated Workload, and Fitness Parameters During a Season in Elite Young Soccer Players

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze differences between endocrine markers in soccer players, based on playing positions, and correlations between endocrine markers (testosterone, cortisol, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor-1), with accumulated workload training and fitness parameters [maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), countermovement jump (CMJ), and isometric maximal strength (1-RM) of the knee for hamstring (ISH) and quadriceps (ISQ) muscles] during early-, mid-, and end-seasons. Twenty-four elite soccer players under 17 participated in this study. The results showed that there was no difference between levels of the endocrine markers among the different positions of the players. Significant correlations were observed between endocrines parameters and fitness performance (ISQ, ISH, VO2max, and CMJ). Regression analysis showed that 1-RM and VO2max were the best predictors of endocrine markers. These findings demonstrated that the activity profiles of youth soccer players were not influenced by endocrine markers. Also, it may be assumed that endocrines levels can be used to better explain the physical capacities of this population. Finally, endocrines markers may help to predict changes in 1-RM and VO2max.

Associations between match participation, maturation, physical fitness, and hormonal levels in elite male soccer player U15: a prospective study with observational cohort

“…The relationships between maturation status and physical performance, and the relationships between hormonal activity and physical performance has been already analyzed in other studies [ 17 , 53 , 54 ]. The increase of GH in plasma after exercise has been well documented [ 55 ].…”

Does COVID-19 confinement period affect the body composition and physical performance of young elite soccer players?

“…Initially, the axis of rotation of the knee joint was identi ed by the lateral epicondyle of the femur, by palpation, and aligned with the axis of rotation of the device. The seat was adjusted to maintain an initial angle of 90º of knee exion and hip between 70-85º, changed according to participant comfort feedback [11]. The athletes' body mass, knee exion and extension range of motion of both legs were measured, and the dominance was veri ed by self-report.…”

Evaluation of 10-Week Neuromuscular Training Program on Body Composition of Elite Female Soccer Players

“…Previous investigations found a strong link between body composition (high levels of lean mass and low levels of fat mass) and vertical jump performance and repeated sprint ability [ 8 , 9 , 10 ]. In addition, for leaner body compositions, lower body strength measurements are closely linked to soccer players’ acceleration, sprinting, and leaping performance [ 11 , 12 ]. Given these correlations, training methods, such as neuromuscular training (NMT), that increase lower body strength and/or reduce body fat, enhancing the power-to-mass ratio, should result in significant increases in the physical performance parameters of female soccer players [ 13 , 14 ].…”

“…A few studies looked at the relationship between different endocrine parameters, such as IGFBP-3, erythropoietin, or estrogen, in female athletes. Additionally, genes related to performance and body composition, such as angiotensin-1 converting enzyme insertion/deletion (ACE I/D) polymorphism or α-actinin-3 (ACTN3) R577X polymorphism, have been studied [ 11 ].…”