Acute Weight Training-Induced Testosterone Responses of Trained Males Across Age Groups and Diets: A Pilot Study

Year 2019, Volume: 1 Issue: 2, 79 - 93, 31.08.2019

Ciara Angeli Juan

Abstract

Testosterone has been associated with health and athletic performance.
However, it is also known to decrease with age. The rise of these age-related,
non-communicable diseases affects economic growth. To develop natural, safe,
and sustainable fitness and nutrition programs to keep the aging population
healthy and fully functional, the present study explored exercise, diet, and
age as possible factors affecting hormonal levels and responses. Twelve
recreationally trained men from different age groups (20s to 70s) and diets
(vegans and meat eaters) completed a 30-minute weight training protocol. Blood
samples were taken before and after exercise to determine exercise-induced
changes in total testosterone (TT) levels. Additional hormonal tests for
cortisol (C) and testosterone-cortisol ratio (T/C) were conducted for outliers
to guide future research. Pretest-posttest analysis showed a statistically
significant increase in TT within subjects; t(11)=-3.842, p=0.003. Younger men
(35 years old and below) had a significantly greater increase in TT compared to
older men (40 years old and above); X²(1)=4.121, p=0.042. Age was negatively
correlated with TT increase (r=-0.622, p=0.031). Vegans showed higher estimated
marginal mean TT levels in both pretest and posttest. In conclusion, a single
session of 30-minute, moderate intensity, high-volume leg exercise can
significantly increase blood serum TT in men across age groups and diets.
Younger men tend to show greater increases in TT compared to older men. Further
studies are needed to explore veganism as a more favorable diet for optimal
testosterone levels.

Keywords

acute testosterone response, weight training and hormones, vegan diet and testosterone

Supporting Institution

University of the Philippines

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