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Prior sprint cycling did not enhance training adaptation, but resting salivary hormones were related to workout power and strength

European Journal of Applied Physiology volume 105, Article number: 919 (2009) Cite this article

Abstract

This study examined the effect of cycle sprints as a potentiating stimulus for power and strength adaptation in semi-elite athletes. Eighteen rugby players were assigned into training groups that completed either a 40-s cycle sprint (TSPRINT) or rested (TCONTROL) before each workout (n = 6–8) of a 4-week programme. Squat jump (SJ) peak power (PP) and mean power (MP), and box squat (BS) one repetition maximum (1RM) strength were assessed every workout. Saliva was collected across each workout and assayed for testosterone (Sal-T) and cortisol (Sal-C). The TSPRINT and TCONTROL groups both showed significant improvements in SJ PP (8.2 ± 2.9 vs. 11.9 ± 3.6%), SJ MP (11.8 ± 2.6 vs. 18.6 ± 4.8%) and BS 1RM (20.5 ± 2.6 vs. 23.2 ± 1.3%), respectively. However, there were no group differences in training adaptation, workout performance or the workout hormonal responses. As a combined group (all players), significant relationships were demonstrated between resting Sal-T and/or Sal-C concentrations and absolute SJ power (r = 0.20–0.30) and BS strength (r = 0.36–0.44) across all workouts. For individual players, the respective relationships with SJ power (r = 0.22–0.42) and BS strength (r = 0.41–0.49) were, on average, found to be stronger. In conclusion, leg workouts performed with or without prior cycle sprints can produce similar power and strength improvements in semi-elite rugby players. Resting salivary hormone concentrations appear important for workout performance, especially for individuals, thereby potentially moderating training adaptation.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Dr. Christian Cook for his feedback during the preparation of this manuscript. Support for this study was provided by the Horticulture and Food Research Institute of New Zealand, the Maori Education Trust and the Ngati Whakaue Education Endowment Trust Board.

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Affiliations

  1. Health and Food Group, The Horticulture and Food Research Institute of New Zealand (HortResearch), Private Bag 3123, Hamilton, 3240, New Zealand

    Blair T. Crewther & Tim Lowe

  2. School of Exercise Science and Sport Management, Southern Cross University, Lismore, Australia

    Blair T. Crewther & Robert P. Weatherby

  3. Institute of Sport and Recreation Research New Zealand, School of Sport and Recreation, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand

    Nicholas Gill

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  1. Blair T. Crewther
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  2. Tim Lowe
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  3. Robert P. Weatherby
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  4. Nicholas Gill
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Correspondence to Blair T. Crewther.

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Crewther, B.T., Lowe, T., Weatherby, R.P. et al. Prior sprint cycling did not enhance training adaptation, but resting salivary hormones were related to workout power and strength. Eur J Appl Physiol 105, 919 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-008-0978-1

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Keywords

  • Testosterone
  • Cortisol
  • Saliva
  • Rugby
  • Training