Physical training, growth hormone and testosterone levels and blood pressure in prepubertal, pubertal and adolescent boys

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the resting values of growth hormone (GH) and testosterone (T) within prepubertal, pubertal and adolescence ages and to compare the effects of physical training in each age, in 2 groups. The exercise group (A) consisted of 10 ten‐year‐old boys, 10 thirteen‐year‐old boys and 9 sixteen‐year‐old boys. The control group (B) consisted of approximately the same number of subjects of the same ages. Group A, in addition to the school activity, trained with intervals (3 months, 50 mid/day, 3 days/week). at high intensity (80–85% of max) and at light intensity (30–40% of max). Group B participated only in the school physical education program 2–3 times/week. Venous blood samples were taken at rest by intravenous catheter before and after training. Levels of GH and T in blood serum was determined by radioimmunoassay. Before training, the levels of T differed between the 3 ages, but there were no significant differences in GH (group A and B). After training, the levels of GH and T in group A were significantly higher in the 13‐year‐old boys and in the 16‐year‐old boys, but were unchanged in the 10‐year‐old boys. In group B the levels of GH and T were unchanged in all 3 ages. The conclusion is that neither high nor mild intensity training can change the levels of GH and T in prepubertal boys. However, high intensity training can be a stimulus for increasing GH and T levels in puberty and adolescence