Examining The Effects Of High-Intensity Resistance Training On Hormonal Factors In University Male Football Players

Abstract

High intensity resistance training (HIRT) effect on both cortisol and testosterone and contributes to improved performance in football players. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of eight-week HIRT intervention on cortisol and testosterone of male university football players. For this purpose, 24 football players between the ages of 19 and 25 were recruited. Blood Samples of 12 players were collected before and after eight weeks of HIRT. While, remaining 12 players were considered as controls and did not underwent HIRT. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis using GraphPad Prism version 6.0 software. The findings of current study revealed that cortisol had significantly declined after HIRT group. Whereas, testosterone levels demonstrated significant elevation after eight weeks of HIRT intervention. The results also showed that there was no significant difference in cortisol and testosterone in the control group. This study's results concluded that eight weeks of high-intensity resistance training (HIRT) improved the performance of university male football players.

High intensity resistance training, cortisol, testosterone, football players