Elite Weightlifters Research Articles

Stress Fracture of the First Rib in a Weightlifter

A 20-year-old woman elite weightlifter presented with acute onset debilitating right shoulder pain while attempting the "clean and jerk." There was no previous relevant history, including no prior fracture in the region. Examination confirmed vague tenderness in the right supraclavicular fossa with no discernible neurologic or vascular deficit within the right arm. X-ray was normal. The patient had a bone scan, including SPECT, suggesting a fracture of the right first rib, subsequently confirmed on CT examination.

Power and Power Potentiation Among Strength–Power Athletes: Preliminary Study

To assess the effects of manipulating the loading of successive sets of midthigh clean pulls on the potentiation capabilities of 7 international-level US weightlifters (4 men, 3 women). Isometric and dynamic peak-force characteristics were measured with a force plate at 500 Hz. Velocity during dynamic pulls was measured using 2 potentiometers that were suspended from the top of the right and left sides of the testing system and attached to both ends of the bar. Five dynamic-performance trials were used (in the following order) as the potentiation protocol: women at 60, 80, 100, 120, and 80 kg and men at 60, 140, 180, 220, and 140 kg. Trials 2 vs 5 were specifically analyzed to assess potentiation capabilities. Isometric midthigh pulls were assessed for peak force and rate of force development. Dynamic lifts were assessed for peak force (PF), peak velocity (PV), peak power (PP), and rate of force development (RFD). Although all values (PF, PV, PP, and RFD) were higher postpotentiation, the only statistically higher value was found for PV (ICC? = .95, P = .011, ?2 = .69). Results suggest that manipulating set-loading configuration can result in a potentiation effect when heavily loaded sets are followed by a lighter set. This potentiation effect was primarily characterized by an increase in the PV in elite weightlifters.

Anthropometric and Performance Variables Discriminating Elite American JuniorMen Weightlifters

The purpose of this study is to identify physical and performance variables that discriminate elite American junior-aged men weightlifters from nonelite performers. Using a cross-sectional design, multiple discriminant analysis was used to determine field tests identifying elite male junior weightlifters. Young men who were participants (n = 115) at the Junior National and Junior Olympics Weightlifting Championships volunteered as subjects (mean +/- SD age = 14.8 +/- 2.3 years). Elite weightlifters (n = 20) were identified as the top 17.5% of national-level competitors when weightlifting performances were adjusted for body mass using the Sinclair equation. All other weightlifters were classified as nonelite (n = 95). Test batteries were performed immediately upon completion of a national-level weightlifting competition. Variables measured included easily-administered field tests of physical dimensions and body composition, muscular strength and power, flexibility, and gross motor control. The resulting regression equations correctly classified 84.35% of the weightlifters as elite or nonelite. Five variables significantly contributed to the discriminant analysis (Wilks Lambda = 0.6637392, chi(2) = 44.880, df = 5, p < 0.0001, adjusted R(2) = 0.67). Body mass index accounted for 23.13% of the total variance, followed by vertical jump (22.78%), relative fat (18.09%), grip strength (14.43%), and torso angle during an overhead squat (0.92%). The use of these 5 easily administered field tests is potentially useful as a screening tool for elite American junior men weightlifters.

Blood Lipid Peroxides and Muscle Damage Increased following Intensive Resistance Training of Female Weightlifters

The aim of this study was to examine changes in muscle cell injury and antioxidant capacity of weightlifters following a 1-week intensive resistance-training regimen. Thirty-six female subjects participated in this study, and their ages ranged from 18 to 25 years. The sample group included 19 elite weightlifters with more than 3 years of weightlifting training experience, while the control group comprised 17 non-athletic individuals. Compared with non-athletes, weightlifters had significantly lower glutathione peroxidase activity and plasma vitamin C concentrations. Weightlifters also had significantly higher malondialdehyde + 4-hydroxy 2-(E)-nonenal (MDA+4-HNE) and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) levels and creatine kinase (CK) activity. For weightlifters, the plasma vitamin E level and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) decreased, and CK activity increased significantly (P < 0.05) after a 1-week intensive resistance-training regimen. Both the TBARS levels and CK activity returned to values of pre-intensive training after a 2-day rest. The MDA+4-HNE level strongly correlated with CK activity in weightlifters (P < 0.05). In conclusion, both long-term exercise training and 1 week of intensive resistance training resulted in increased oxidative stress and cell injury in female weightlifters. Furthermore, proper rest after intensive training was found to be important for recovery.

Injury incidence and prevalence among elite weight and power lifters.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence and prevalence of injuries among elite weight lifters and power lifters, with a special focus on shoulder injuries and possible injury-provoking exercises. In 1995, a questionnaire was administered to 110 male and female elite lifters to evaluate injuries and training characteristics. A follow-up of the athletes from 1995 was conducted in 2000, and a new 2000 elite group was also queried. In 1995 and again in 2000, the athletes sustained, on average, 2.6 injuries per 1000 hours of activity. Most common in 1995 were low back injuries, with an injury rate of 0.43 per 1000 hours, and shoulder injuries, with a rate of 0.42 per 1000 hours. Shoulder injuries dominated in 2000, with an injury rate of 0.51 per 1000 hours of activity. There was a difference in injury pattern between weight lifters, who mostly sustained low back and knee injuries, and power lifters, in whom shoulder injuries were most common. No correlation was found between shoulder injuries and any specific exercise. Although the total injury rate was the same during the two periods of study, the rate of shoulder injuries had increased.

Effects of external loading on power output in a squat jump on a force platform: A comparison between strength and power athletes and sedentary individuals

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of external loading on power output during a squat jump on a force platform in athletes specializing in strength and power events (6 elite weight-lifters and 16 volleyball players) and in 20 sedentary individuals. Instantaneous power was computed from time-force curves during vertical jumps with and without an external load (0, 5 or 10 kg worn in a special vest). The jumps were performed from a squat position, without lower limb counter-movement or an arm swing. Peak instantaneous power corresponded to the highest value of instantaneous power during jumping. Average power throughout the push phase of the jump was also calculated. A two‐way analysis of variance showed significant interactions between the load and group effects for peak instantaneous power ( P < 0.01) and average power ( P < 0.001). Peak instantaneous power decreased significantly in sedentary individuals when moderate external loads were added. The peak instantaneous power at 0 kg was greater than that at 5 and 10 kg in the sedentary individuals. In contrast, peak instantaneous power was independent of load in the strength and power athletes. Mean power at 0 kg was significantly lower than at 5 kg in the athletes; at 0 kg it was significantly higher than at 10 kg in the sedentary males and at 5 and 10 kg in the sedentary females. In all groups, the force corresponding to peak instantaneous power increased and the velocity corresponding to peak instantaneous power decreased with external loading. The present results suggest that the effects of external loading on peak instantaneous power are not significant in strength and power athletes provided that the loads do not prevent peak velocity from being higher than the velocity that is optimal for maximal power output.

Relationships Between Serum Testosterone, Cortisol, and Weightlifting Performance

Elite and nonelite junior weightlifters (nonelite: n 5 14, X ¯ 6 SE, age 5 17.2 6 0.4 years; elite: n 5 8, age 5 18.4 6 0.4 years) performed identical training programs for 4 weeks. Pre- and postexercise serum samples were collected before and after 1 week of high-volume training and after 3 weeks of normal-volume training. The percent change (%D )i n preexercise testosterone/cortisol exhibited different correlations (p , 0.05), with %D weightlifting performance for each training phase and each group (high volume nonelite: r 5 20.70; high volume elite: r 5 0.00; normal volume nonelite: r 5 0.51; normal volume elite: r 5 0.92). Correlations for %D testosterone or cortisol and weightlifting performance exhibited no discernible pattern. These data indicate that preexercise testosterone/cortisol of these weightlifters reflect the short-term training volumes and is correlated to changes in competitive weightlifting performances. Furthermore, based on hormonal profiles and weightlifting performances, elite weightlifters appeared to better tolerate high-volume training than nonelite weightlifters.

Arthroscopic distal clavicle resection for isolated atraumatic osteolysis in weight lifters.

Ten consecutive patients with isolated atraumatic osteolysis of the distal clavicle who had failed results with conservative treatment were treated with arthroscopic resection of the involved distal clavicle (average, 4.5 mm). All patients were men with an average age of 30.4 years, had unilateral involvement, and were considered aggressive amateur to elite weight lifters or bodybuilders. Postoperative symptoms consisted of pain at the incision and discomfort from extravasation of the irrigation fluid. At an average followup of 18.7 months, all patients had returned to their sport (average, 3.2 days) and to their preoperative weight training program (average, 9.1 days). They continued to be asymptomatic throughout the follow-up period and were able to increase both their training volume and strength from preoperative levels. Limited arthroscopic resection of the distal clavicle for isolated atraumatic osteolysis is a viable alternative for the weight lifter or bodybuilder. The ability to continue training without significant interruption as well as a more acceptable cosmetic appearance are benefits for these patients. Limited arthroscopic resection of the distal clavicle may be sufficient for this entity in this patient population, rather than the 1 to 2 cm previously reported. A sport-specific functional outcome questionnaire has been developed for this patient population.

Effects of Ascorbic Acid on Serum Cortisol and the Testosterone : Cortisol Ratio in Junior Elite Weightlifters

Effects of Ascorbic Acid on Serum Cortisol and the Testosterone : Cortisol Ratio in Junior Elite Weightlifters

The influence of electrical stimulation on strength and swimming performance

s-International Society of Biomechanics XIV Congress 1993 683 THE INFLUENCE OF ELECIXICAL STIh4ULATION ON STRENGTH AND SWIMMING PERFORMANCE Florence Pichon and Gillea Cometti Laboratoire d’Etude et de Recherche sur la Performance Sportive UFR-STAPS, Universitt! de Bourgogne, B.P 138,210OO Dijon, France. This study aims to examine the influence of a three week’s cycle of electrical stimulation on latissimus dorsi on strength development and swimming performance. Eighteen regional and national standard sprint swimmers were divided into two groups : the control group (N=8) and the study group (N=8) underwent with electrostimulation sessions (three sessions a week during three weeks) in addition to swimming training. Sessions are carried out using a portable stimulator (stywel) and lasted 12 minutes, the contraction time was five seconds and the rest one was 15 seconds. A biodex type (Biodex Corporation, Shirley, NY, USA) isokinetic ergometer was used to measure the maximum torque values developed over the arm flexion-extension movement at different velocities (-120, -6O,O, 60, 120, 180,240,300, 360%). Therefore, special tests in the pool (50 meters arms only and full movement) were carried out. At the end of training, the results for electrostimulated swimmers show a significant difference in peak torque concentrically at velocity of 180/s and 36O”/s and in peak torque isometrically (with ~4~05). Moreover an improvement of 0,44 s (p&,05) is recorded for the 50 meters full movement. While the control group showed no significant difference for all tests. A electrostimulation training for three weeks could be the consequence of a preferential solicitation of muscular type IIb fibres. The important improvements find in swimming indicate that electrostimulation training must be used in planning of swimmers. AN ATHLETIC SHOE AGAINST HYPERINVERSION IN THE ANKLE DURING HIGH LOAD PERFORMANCE Mark R.Pitkin Iv2 1 Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA. ’ Newman Laboratory for Biomechanics and Human Rehabilitation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. This work relates to an athletic shoe design made to reduce the risk of injury of the subt,alar joint. Said injury occurs when the ankle moves in frontal plane from neutral to the inverted position and the bending torque of the external forces becomes more than the counterresistance of the joint,‘s ligaments. Biomechanical analysis of the incorporation of the borders, wrapping, torsion sole, flaring, various midsole hardness did not prove their effectiveness in protection of l igaments in t,he subtalar joint. A model of the subtalar joint r&istance has been developed, which enabled to propose a new design of the athletic shoe, protecting subtalar joint from hyperinversion. The shoe has two soles having the shape of the controversial wedges in the frontal cross section, which are elastically connected. A shift of the upper sole in the lateral direction provides the lifting of its lateral upper edge, while its medial upper edge goes down. MUSCULAR SYNERGY PATTERNS IN WEIGHTLImING. A FOLLOW-UP STUDY R.Pozzo, M.Jahn, Institute of Biomechanics, Cologne, Germany In order to identify individual and general strategies in the motor control, combined analysis of EMG and of the biomechanical structure (Ground Reaction Forces, barbell kinematics) of the movement ( competitive movements and assistant exercises) were carried out during the training (5 months) of 6 elite weightlifters. AAer recording of myoelectrical potentials (CMRR r 70 db, BP= 1OHz lKHz, Zin= 1,s MQ , gain= 1000) EMG signals were full wave rectified, root mean squared and low-pass filtered (70 Hz). The intermuscular activity patterns (IMAP) of VM, BF, TR and BB are representative of the main characteristics of the movement sequences. For the pull phase of snatch and clean two main patterns were identified. By comparing the kinematics and kinetics of the movements with the EMG patterns, indicators of the “technique” goodness are indentified. By means of regression analysis the individual adaptation processes with respect to the variation of the load and to the type of exercise were determined in terms of traning induced effects. Differences in the IMAP are not necessarily matching similar variations in the GRF and barbell kinematics. This is essential for the usefullness of GRF as interpretative and diagnostic indicator in training. The analysis of the interphasic relations between the peak values of GRF, barbell velocity and EMG amplitude and between the EMG onset of different muscles permits to compare the neuromuscular strategies of these multi-joint movements with theoretical models (equlibrium-point hypothesis, speed strategy).

Effects of prolonged training on serum thyrotropin and thyroid hormones in elite strength athletes.

The response of the pituitary-thyroid system was studied in 11 elite weight lifters before, during and after a strength training period of 1 year. During the overall 1 year training period, no systematic changes were found in the concentrations of serum thyrotropin (TSH), thyroxine (T4), free thyroxine (FT4), tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine binding globulin (TBG). During the pre-competition training period (weeks 15-18), there was a decreased volume of training which was accompanied by a gradual increase in serum T4, FT4 and T3 concentrations. When the intensity of training increased and volume decreased further before the main competition (weeks 19-20), the changes noted returned to their initial levels. It was concluded that in elite strength athletes, intensive training with one training session per day does not lead to major changes in pituitary-thyroid function, but only to minor physiological responses well within the normal range.

Magnetic resonance imaging determination of left ventricular mass

The relationship between left ventricular mass (LVM) and peak VO2 in junior elite Olympic-style weightlifters and sedentary subjects was investigated. Ten male weightlifters (mean +/- SE, age = 17.5 +/- 0.4 yr, wt = 72.9 +/- 3.3 kg) and 15 sedentary males (age = 18.8 +/- 0.4 yr, wt = 69.6 +/- 2.0 kg) served as subjects. Peak VO2 was measured using a continuous, incrementally loaded bicycle ergometry protocol. LVM was measured using magnetic resonance imaging techniques. Absolute peak VO2 was not significantly different (P > or = 0.05) between the weightlifters and the control subjects (3.5 +/- 0.1 vs 3.3 +/- 0.11.min-1). Absolute LVM (g) was significantly (P < or = 0.05) correlated to absolute peak VO2 (1.min-1) in the weightlifters (r = 0.723), but not in the control subjects. No other correlations between LVM in absolute or normalized by body weight, body surface area, or fat free mass terms, and absolute peak or normalized by body weight peak VO2 were significant. The weightlifters absolute LVM was significantly greater (P < or = 0.05) than that of the controls (208.1 +/- 10.0 vs 179.7 +/- 8.4 g). LVM normalized by body weight and body surface area but not by fat free mass, was significantly greater (P < or = 0.05) in the weightlifters than the control subjects. These data indicate that LVM in junior elite weightlifters is greater than that of control subjects and absolute LVM is related to absolute peak VO2 in weightlifters but not control subjects.

Hormonal adaptations and modelled responses in elite weightlifters during 6 weeks of training.

The concentrations of serum testosterone, sex-hormone-binding-globulin (SHBG) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were examined throughout 1-year of training in six elite weightlifters. A systems model, providing an estimation of fatigue and fitness, was applied to records of training volume and performance levels in clean and jerk. The analysis focused on a 6-week training period during which blood samples were taken at 2-week intervals. A 4-week period of intensive training (period I) could be distinguished from the following 2-week period of reduced training (period II). During period I, decreases in serum testosterone (P less than 0.05) and increases in serum LH concentrations (P less than 0.01) were observed; a significant correlation (r = 0.90, P less than 0.05) was also observed between the changes in serum LH concentration and in estimated fitness. The magnitude of LH response was not related to the change in serum androgens. On the other hand, the change in testosterone:SHBG ratio during period II was significantly correlated (r = 0.97, P less than 0.01) to the LH variations during period I. These finding suggested that the LH response indicated that the decrease in testosterone concentration was not primarily due to a dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary system control, and that the fatigue/fitness status of an athlete could have influenced the LH response to the decreased testosterone concentration. The negative effect of training on hormonal balance could have been amplified by its influence on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. A decrease in physiological stress would thus have been necessary for the completion of the effect of LH release on androgenic activity.

A comparative study of left ventricular structure and function in elite athletes.

Adaptations to left ventricular (LV) structure and function appear to be dependent on the type, intensity and duration of exercise training. We therefore studied two clearly defined groups of elite athletes, by M-mode and Doppler echocardiography, with a group of inactive individuals as controls. All groups were age matched. Group 1 comprised ten elite endurance athletes with maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) of 74.7 +/- 1.43 (mean +/- SEM). Group 2 consisted of ten elite weightlifters with VO2 max 45.3 +/- 2.00. Group 3 comprised of ten inactive individuals with VO2 max 44.5 +/- 2.13. Left ventricular end diastolic dimension was significantly higher in group 1 (5.72 +/- 0.07) than in groups 2 or 3 (5.29 +/- 0.09 and 5.19 +/- 0.09 respectively, p less than 0.001). Left ventricular mass index was significantly higher in groups 1 and 2 (156.4 +/- 5.97 and 138.6 +/- 7.27 respectively) than in group 3 (104.1 +/- 3.16 p less than 0.001). Percentage fractional shortening was used as an index of systolic function and no significant difference was found between groups. Doppler E:A ratio was taken as an index of diastolic function and was found to be significantly elevated in group 1 at rest (3.37 +/- 0.24) compared with 2.38 +/- 0.16 and 1.99 +/- 0.10 in groups 2 and 3 respectively (p less than 0.003). On exercise, the E:A ratio in group 1 was significantly higher than in group 3 (1.95 +/- 0.14 and 1.23 +/- 0.05 respectively p less than 0.001), and tended to be higher than group 2 (1.68 +/- 0.15 p = ns). These data show that both modes of intense training produce left ventricular hypertrophy. Diastolic function is not impaired in the athletes and may be augmented in the endurance athletes.

A systems model of training responses and its relationship to hormonal responses in elite weight-lifters

A systems model, providing an estimation of fatigue and fitness levels was applied to a 1-year training period of six elite weight-lifters. The model parameters were individually determined by fitting the predicted performance (calculated as the difference between fitness and fatigue) to the actual one. The purpose of this study was to validate the systems model by comparing the estimated levels of fatigue and fitness with biological parameters external to the model calculation. The predicted and the actual performances were significantly correlated in each subject. The calculated fitness and fatigue levels were related to serum testosterone concentration, testosterone: cortisol and testosterone: sex hormone binding globulin ratios. The best results were obtained by the comparison between fitness and testosterone levels, which varied in parallel in each subject. In two subjects this correlation was significant (r = 0.91, P less than 0.05, and r = 0.92, P less than 0.01). The fitness changes calculated in each subject between the 15th and the 51st weeks of training were significantly correlated with the changes in serum testosterone concentration measured in the same period (r = 0.99, P less than 0.001). For the whole group testosterone and fitness variations were also significantly intercorrelated (r = 0.73, P less than 0.001). Correlations, less homogeneous and less significant, were calculated also for other hormones and ratios. These results suggest that (1) the relationships between training and performance can be described by the systems model, (2) the estimated index of fitness has a physiological meaning. The fatigue index remains to be clarified.

Electrical stimulation of quadriceps femoris in an elite weight lifter: a single subject experiment.

The response to treatment of high intensity neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to both quadriceps femoris muscles as an adjunct to ongoing weight training was evaluated using a single subject experimental design. For an elite weight lifter weekly maximal measurements of snatch (S), clean and jerk (CJ), and front squat (SQ) were obtained over 4 months during which the subject weight trained daily for 3 h. The 1st month, baseline data were collected. After baseline measurements, a 1-month period of high-intensity NMES was added to the subject's weight training. NMES was then withdrawn for 1 month and administered once more for 2 weeks. Three quadriceps femoris muscle biopsies were taken, two during the initial baseline period and one just before the end of the first stimulation period. The results showed a significant and clear relationship between performance gains and NMES administration and withdrawal. Steep gains for S, CJ, and SQ were seen after 2 weeks of stimulation, with front squat showing a 20-kg increase within the 1st week of both stimulation periods. Muscle biopsy showed an increased type I fiber area, decreased type IIa and IIb fiber area, and an increase of type II fibers after NMES. The results of this study support the use of high-dose NMES as an adjunct to weight training in elite lifters.

Neuromuscular and hormonal adaptations in athletes to strength training in two years.

Neuromuscular and hormonal adaptations to prolonged strength training were investigated in nine elite weight lifters. The average increases occurred over the 2-yr follow-up period in the maximal neural activation (integrated electromyogram, IEMG; 4.2%, P = NS), maximal isometric leg-extension force (4.9%, P = NS), averaged concentric power index (4.1%, P = NS), total weight-lifting result (2.8%, P less than 0.05), and total mean fiber area (5.9%, P = NS) of the vastus lateralis muscle, respectively. The training period resulted in increases in the concentrations of serum testosterone from 19.8 +/- 5.3 to 25.1 +/- 5.2 nmol/l (P less than 0.05), luteinizing hormone (LH) from 8.6 +/- 0.8 to 9.1 +/- 0.8 U/l (P less than 0.05), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from 4.2 +/- 2.0 to 5.3 +/- 2.3 U/l (P less than 0.01), and testosterone-to-serum sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) ratio (P less than 0.05). The annual mean value of the second follow-up year for the serum testosterone-to-SHBG ratio correlated significantly (r = 0.84, P less than 0.01) with the individual changes during the 2nd yr in the averaged concentric power. The present results suggest that prolonged intensive strength training in elite athletes may influence the pituitary and possibly hypothalamic levels, leading to increased serum levels of testosterone. This may create more optimal conditions to utilize more intensive training leading to increased strength development.

Daily Hormonal and Neuromuscular Responses to Intensive Strength Training in 1 Week

Daily adaptive responses in the neuromuscular and endocrine systems to a 1-week very intensive strength training period with two training sessions per day were investigated in eight elite weight lifters. The morning and the afternoon sessions resulted in acute decreases (P less than 0.05-0.01) in maximal isometric strength and in the maximal neural activation (iEMG) of the leg extensor muscles, but the basic levels remained unaltered during the entire training period. Significant (P less than 0.05-0.01) acute increases in serum total and free testosterone levels were found during the afternoon sessions. During the 1-week training period, serum total and free testosterone concentrations decreased gradually (P less than 0.05-0.001) as observed in the basic morning values before the sessions, but after 1 day of rest serum total and free testosterone reached (P less than 0.01 and 0.05) the pretraining level. The sessions resulted also in acute changes (P less than 0.05-0.01) in serum cortisol and somatotropin concentrations, but the basic morning levels did not change during the training period. The present findings suggest that during a short period of intense strength training the changes especially in serum testosterone concentrations indicate the magnitude of physiologic stress of training. The acute changes in serum hormone concentrations during a period of a few days do not, however, necessarily directly imply the changes in performance capacity. A longer period of follow-up lasting a few weeks is probably needed if an individual trainability status of a strength athlete is to be evaluated on the basis of the hormone determinations.

Relationships between training volume, physical performance capacity, and serum hormone concentrations during prolonged training in elite weight lifters.

A follow-up study of 1 year was performed on 11 male elite weight lifters. Several parameters including training volume, weight lifting performance, and serum hormone concentrations were measured during seven test occasions. In addition, the same measurements were repeated three times during a 6-week period preceding the primary competition, which took place about 5 months after beginning of the follow-up. The primary findings were observed during the 6-week period from which the first 2 weeks of stressful training was associated with significant decreases (P less than 0.01-0.001) in serum testosterone concentration, in testosterone/cortisol and in testosterone/SHBG ratios, and with a significant (P less than 0.001) increase in serum LH concentration. The individual changes during the stressful training in serum testosterone/SHBG ratio were related (r = .63; P less than 0.05) to the individual changes in the weight lifting result in the clean and jerk lift. During the following "normal" 2-week and reduced 2-week training periods, the concentration of serum testosterone remained unaltered, but serum cortisol and serum LH decreased significantly (P less than 0.05-0.01). During these periods, the serum testosterone/SHBG ratio increased (P less than 0.01). The individual changes during this preparatory 4-week training before the primary competition in serum testosterone/SHBG ratio and the individual changes in the weight lifting result in the clean and jerk lift correlated significantly with each other (r = .68; P less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)