Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine relationships between repeated 1 × 1 small-sided games (SSGs) (variable duration, constant work-to-rest ratio) and the concentration of steroid hormones and characteristic fatigue markers in youth soccer players. Eighteen young male soccer players were assigned at random to two experimental groups: E1—undertaking a six 30 s one-on-one SSGs with a 2 min rest period; and E2—playing six 45 s SSGs with a 3 min rest interval. Capillary blood was collected from the players at rest, after the last game, and 15 and 30 min after the exercise protocol. The variables assessed included serum cortisol (C), free testosterone (FT) and total testosterone (TT). An effect was observed between the measurement times (TT (F = 15.26, p ≤ 0.0001), FT (F = 6.86, p = 0.0006)). In terms of cortisol (C) levels, no interactions or effect between the studied groups were revealed, but an interaction was found (F = 4.01, p = 0.0126) and the effect appeared between the measurement times (F = 11.16, p ≤ 0.0001). The study results show that in all likelihood, longer rest intervals in repeated 30 s 1 × 1 SSGs can reduce catabolic reactions and hence the risk of overtraining in youth soccer players.
Highlights
Testosterone and cortisol play a major role in the biochemical assessment of athletes
Approximately 99% of all testosterone is bound with sex hormone-binding globulin and albumins [2]
There were no significant differences between the two groups of players with regard to the examined variables
Summary
Testosterone and cortisol play a major role in the biochemical assessment of athletes. Testosterone is synthesized primarily in Leydig cells in the testicles and is responsible for the appearance of male secondary sex characteristics, having typical anabolic effects on the human body—in particular, on protein synthesis [1]. Only 1% of testosterone is free, and free testosterone (FT) can have an anabolic effect, increasing strength, muscle mass, or bone density [3]. Cortisol (C), synthesized in the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex, evokes opposite responses. It has anti-inflammatory properties, stimulates gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis in the liver, and increases the concentration of blood glucose. Due to its inhibition of amino acid uptake by muscles and decreased protein synthesis, cortisol is considered a catabolic hormone [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International journal of environmental research and public health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
