Use of the Testosterone/Cortisol Ratio Variable in Sports

Luccia, T.P.B De

doi:10.2174/1875399x01609010104

Cited by 24 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 58 publications

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“…However, the current findings of a systematic review of Cadegiani and Kater (2018) conclude that the COR and T/C ratio are not a good predictor of overtraining syndrome. The most current consensus indicated that the T/C ratio is related to the duration and intensity of training, and this ratio indicates only the tangible physiological strain of training (De Luccia, 2016). In the present study, a significant increase of the T/C ratio was found in those following the ECR and EIR training program, while no changes were observed in other training programs.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 41%

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The effect of different training modalities on resting hormonal level in active young males

Vajda¹,

Vanderka²,

Buzgó³

et al. 2021

J Appl Biomed

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The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in the resting level of serum cortisol, testosterone and T/C ratio in response to different training modalities and their variations. A secondary purpose was to identify if the various six weeks training programs are an effective way to improve physical fitness. 86 regularly active young males were assigned to one of six groups: Endurance constant running (ECR), Endurance interval running (EIR), Resistance training (RT), Explosive training (ET), Speed-endurance 50 m running (SER50) and Speed-endurance 150 m running (SER150) training. The resting levels of testosterone, cortisol and T/C ratio, as well as physical fitness, were measured. The ECR, EIR, and RT training program decreased COR level (P < 0.05). An increase of the T/C ratio was observed in the ECR and EIR group (P < 0.05). Except for SER50, each training program improved physical fitness. Our results suggest that endurance and resistance training modalities performed with a moderate to vigorous intensity may be a usable way to manage the resting cortisol level and enhance physical fitness in active young males.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 41%

“…T/C ratio is a variable currently used in the evaluation of the organism response to acute and chronic physical stressors (De Luccia, 2016). Earlier, the relationship between cortisol and testosterone, reflecting anabolic-catabolic balance and the T/C ratio was considered as a marker of overtraining syndrome (Adlercreutz et al, 1986).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The effect of different training modalities on resting hormonal level in active young males

Vajda¹,

Vanderka²,

Buzgó³

et al. 2021

J Appl Biomed

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“…On the other hand, the ratio between cortisol and testosterone (C/T ratio), the two primary catabolic and anabolic hormones, has been used to determine the degree of systemic catabolic stress in response to exercise (De Luccia, 2016). Here we observed that the C/T ratio dramatically increased following consecutive TKD competitions, but the C/T ratio was sustained at a relatively lower level in participants with simulated intermittent kicking exercise (Figure 5C).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Can Match-Mimicking Intermittent Practice Be Used as a Simulatory Training Mode of Competition Using Olympic Time Frame in Elite Taekwondo Athletes?

et al. 2019

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Aim: The physiological realities between Taekwondo (TKD) simulation kicking training and TKD competition according to the Olympic time frame remain unclear. The purpose of this study is to establish an Olympic match-simulated kicking model and compare its effects with real TKD competition on physiological challenges and hormonal responses during serial matches in elite athletes. Method: Sixteen elite TKD athletes randomly were assigned into either a TKD match-simulated kicking group (TMSK; N = 8, age: 21.3 ± 0.2 years) or a simulated TKD competition group (STC; N = 8, age: 21.6 ± 0.5 years). Both groups performed either simulated kicking or TKD competitions in the same time-course order, and all physiological parameters and blood sampling time-points were identical between groups. The heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded during each match-simulated kicking and TKD competition session. Blood samples were obtained before competition (Pre-Comp.), after competition—in ths case meaning four consecutive matches (End-Comp.), and 24 h after the first match (Next day) for determination of biomarkers of muscle damage (myoglobin and CK), hematological profiles, and hormonal profiles (testosterone and cortisol). Results: The responses of HR, RPE, and blood lactate levels during the consecutive testing sessions showed no differences between TMSK and STC. The changes in CK and myoglobin were greater in STC ( p < 0.05), and a greater decrease in red blood cell (RBC) loss was observed in the STC group ( p < 0.05). Compared with TMSK, the inflammatory state, reflected by the ratios of neutrophils-to-lymphocyte (NLR) and platelets-to-lymphocyte (PLR), was higher in STC ( p < 0.05). Moreover, the catabolic state (cortisol/testosterone) was greater in STC than in TMSK ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: We demonstrated that, compared with TMSK, the STC produced greater muscle damage, inflammatory responses, and catabolic stress in the Olympic competition time frame in elite male TKD athletes. Although TMSK is capable of eliciting similar physiological challenges as TKD competition, the muscle damage and hormonal profiles provoked by TMSK were not comparable to TKD competition. Our findings provide science-based data and better understanding for coaches, athletes, and sports scientists to develop TKD-specific training programs for Olympic preparation.

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“…This hormone is produced by the adrenal cortex and is commonly called the stress hormone because its blood levels increase in response to strong stressors, including psychophysical stimuli (such as sports competitions) [ 12 , 17 , 18 , 19 ] and environmental stimuli (such as exposure to accelerations of >5G) [ 20 ] or sudden hypobaric hypoxia induced in laboratory settings (5000 m) [ 21 ]). As cortisol and testosterone have opposing effects on the rate of endogenous protein metabolism, the idea has emerged to assess the anabolic–catabolic balance as an index of the quotient of molar concentrations (T/C) [ 22 , 23 ]. A significant decrease in the T/C index indicates that the training activity is too high and catabolic processes prevail, which, in extreme cases, may lead to a decrease in skeletal muscle mass.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training Periods on Morning Serum Testosterone and Cortisol Levels and Physical Fitness in Men Aged 35–40 Years

Ambroży

Rydzik

Obmiński

et al. 2021

JCM

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Background: Intensive physical activity largely modulates resting concentrations of blood cortisol (C) and testosterone (T) and their molar ratio, which is defined as the anabolic–catabolic index and expressed as T/C × 102. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of the author’s high-intensity training program on T, C, T/C × 102, and selected physical fitness indices in men between 35 and 40 years of age. Methods: The experiment was conducted on a group of 30 healthy men, divided into control and experimental groups. The experimental group followed a high-intensity 8-week training program, which included three sessions per week, each of them lasting 1 h and consisting of intensive-interval exercises followed by strength circuit exercises. The controls did not change their previous recreational physical activity. T, C, and T/C × 102 were measured before and after the experiment for all participants. Physical performance was examined using a standardized laboratory exercise test to determine maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Results: There were statistically significant increases in T (by 36.7%) and T/C × 102 (by 59%), while C somewhat dropped (by 12%) in the experimental group. No changes in the hormonal indices were found in the control group. After completing the experimental training, there were no statistically significant changes in aerobic capacity, but it improved muscle strength in the men studied. Conclusions: High-intensity interval training, continued over an 8-week period, modulates (significantly and positively) the balance between testosterone and cortisol levels and improves physical capacity in men aged 35–40 years.

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Use of the Testosterone/Cortisol Ratio Variable in Sports

Cited by 24 publications

References 58 publications

The effect of different training modalities on resting hormonal level in active young males

The effect of different training modalities on resting hormonal level in active young males

Can Match-Mimicking Intermittent Practice Be Used as a Simulatory Training Mode of Competition Using Olympic Time Frame in Elite Taekwondo Athletes?

The Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training Periods on Morning Serum Testosterone and Cortisol Levels and Physical Fitness in Men Aged 35–40 Years

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