Relationship between midweek training measures of testosterone and cortisol concentrations and game outcome in professional rugby union matches

Article


Gaviglio, Christopher M. and Cook, Christian J.. 2014. "Relationship between midweek training measures of testosterone and cortisol concentrations and game outcome in professional rugby union matches." Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 28 (12), pp. 3447-3452. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000574
Article Title

Relationship between midweek training measures of testosterone and cortisol concentrations and game outcome in professional rugby union matches

ERA Journal ID9783
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsGaviglio, Christopher M. and Cook, Christian J.
Journal TitleJournal of Strength and Conditioning Research
Journal Citation28 (12), pp. 3447-3452
Number of Pages6
Year2014
PublisherLippincott Williams & Wilkins
Place of PublicationUnited States
ISSN1064-8011
1533-4287
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000574
Web Address (URL)https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/fulltext/2014/12000/relationship_between_midweek_training_measures_of.17.aspx
Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the response of salivary-free testosterone and cortisol concentrations across selected midweek skill-based training sessions and their association with subsequent match outcome 3 days later. Twenty-two rugby union players were assessed for salivary-free testosterone and cortisol concentrations before and after a midweek training session over 6 consecutive weeks. The relative percentage change (response) in the testosterone and cortisol concentration and the testosterone to cortisol (T/C) ratio was also determined. Game-day analysis consisted of prematch testosterone concentrations and match outcome. Data were pooled across the winning (n = 3) and losing (n = 3) outcomes. The midweek pretraining T/C ratio was significantly lower (p < 0.01) before a win than a loss and the increase in the pre- to post-T/C ratio before a win was significant (p < 0.001). The increase in the pre- to post-testosterone concentration before a win was also shown to be significant (p < 0.01). However, the relative changes in testosterone before games that were won were not statistically different to that of games lost (p > 0.01). Significant relationships were also demonstrated between game-day pre-testosterone concentrations and the midweek cortisol response (r = -0.90, p = 0.01) and midweek T/C ratio response (r = 0.90, p = 0.01). In conclusion, a midweek measurement of the T/C ratio against a skill-based training session seems to show some potential as an early indicator of subsequent successfully executed performances in competitive rugby union. If this work is subsequently validated, further monitoring of midweek hormone concentrations in response to a mixed psychological-physical training session may assist with assessing competitive readiness leading up to competition.

Keywordsendocrine; readiness; winning, sport; competition
Contains Sensitive ContentDoes not contain sensitive content
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020420799. Sports science and exercise not elsewhere classified
420702. Exercise physiology
Public Notes

Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions.

Byline AffiliationsUniversity of Queensland
Imperial College London, United Kingdom
Permalink -

https://research.usq.edu.au/item/zv13v/relationship-between-midweek-training-measures-of-testosterone-and-cortisol-concentrations-and-game-outcome-in-professional-rugby-union-matches

  • 3
    total views
  • 1
    total downloads
  • 3
    views this month
  • 1
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

Pump to Perform: Blood Flow Restriction. More than a Rehab Tool
Gaviglio, Chris. 2024. "Pump to Perform: Blood Flow Restriction. More than a Rehab Tool." 2024 ASCA International Conference on Applied Strength and Conditioning. Brisbane, Australia 08 - 09 Nov 2024 Australia.
Acute effects of upper body BFR on moderate-high load bench press barbell velocity: a case study
Gaviglio, Chris and Bird, Stephen P.. 2024. "Acute effects of upper body BFR on moderate-high load bench press barbell velocity: a case study." 2024 ASCA International Conference on Applied Strength and Conditioning. Brisbane, Australia 08 - 09 Nov 2024 Australia.
‘Pressure makes diamonds’: How Australian sprint sensation Gout Gout can get even faster
Gaviglio, Chris and Bird, Stephen P.. 2024. "‘Pressure makes diamonds’: How Australian sprint sensation Gout Gout can get even faster." The Conversation.
Skeleton strength – not the bone kind
Gaviglio, Chris. 2023. "Skeleton strength – not the bone kind." 2023 Philipine Strength and Conditioning Conference. Pasig, Philipines 07 - 08 Dec 2023
BFR upper body resistance training & isometrics increases barbell velocity and power output: a case study
Gaviglio, Chris and Bird, Stephen P.. 2023. "BFR upper body resistance training & isometrics increases barbell velocity and power output: a case study." 2023 ASCA International Conference on Applied Strength and Conditioning. Gold Coast, Australia 02 - 04 Nov 2023 Australia.
Salivary testosterone and cortisol responses to four different rugby training exercise protocols
Gaviglio, Christopher M., Osborne, Mark, Kelly, Vincent G., Kilduff, Liam P. and Cook, Christian J.. 2015. "Salivary testosterone and cortisol responses to four different rugby training exercise protocols." European Journal of Sport Science. 15 (6), pp. 497-504. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2015.1017012
Relationship between pregame concentrations of free testosterone and outcome in rugby union
Gaviglio, Christopher M., Crewther, Blair T., Kilduff, Liam P, Stokes, Keith A. and Cook, Christian J.. 2014. "Relationship between pregame concentrations of free testosterone and outcome in rugby union." International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance. 9 (2), pp. 324-331. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2013-0106
Relationship between match statistics, game outcome and pre-match hormonal state in professional rugby union
Gaviglio, M. Christopher, James, Nicolas, Crewther, T. Blair, Kilduff, P. Liam and Cook, J. Christian. 2013. "Relationship between match statistics, game outcome and pre-match hormonal state in professional rugby union." International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport. 13 (2), pp. 522-534. https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2013.11868667