The effects of three types of exercise training on steroid hormones in physically inactive middle-aged adults: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

PURPOSE\nPhysical inactivity and ageing are associated with imbalances in anabolic/catabolic steroid hormones, jeopardizing health. We investigated the effects of three types of training on plasma steroid hormone levels in physically inactive, middle-aged adults.\n\n\nMETHODS\nA 12-week randomized controlled trial was performed with a parallel-group design. A total of 67 (36 women) middle-aged adults (45-65\xa0years old) were randomly assigned to (1) no exercise (control), (2) concurrent training based on the international physical activity recommendations (PAR), (3) high-intensity interval training (HIIT), or (4) HIIT plus whole-body electromyostimulation (HIIT\u2009+\u2009EMS). The training volume in the PAR group was 150\xa0min/week at 60-65% of the heart rate reserve for aerobic training and\u2009~\u200960\xa0min/week at 40-50% of the one-repetition maximum for resistance training. The training volume in the HIIT and HIIT\u2009+\u2009EMS groups was 40-65\xa0min/week at\u2009>\u200995% of the maximum oxygen uptake in long interval sessions, and\u2009>\u2009120% of the maximum oxygen uptake in short interval sessions.\n\n\nRESULTS\nCompared to the control group, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate increased in the PAR, HIIT, and HIIT\u2009+\u2009EMS groups (~\u200914%,\u2009~\u200914%, and\u2009~\u200920%, respectively; all P\u2009<\u20090.01). Cortisol decreased in the PAR, HIIT, and HIIT\u2009+\u2009EMS groups (~\u2009-\xa017%,\u2009~\u2009-\xa010%, and\u2009~\u2009-\xa023%, respectively; all P\u2009≤\u20090.05). Testosterone increased in the HIIT and HIIT\u2009+\u2009EMS groups (~\u200928%, and\u2009~\u200916%, respectively; all P\u2009≤\u20090.01). Free testosterone increased in the HIIT and HIIT\u2009+\u2009EMS groups (~\u200930% and\u2009~\u200918% respectively; all P\u2009≤\u20090.01). No significant increase in sex hormone-binding globulin was observed (P\u2009=\u20090.869).\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nOur findings suggest that HIIT, with or without whole-body EMS, can significantly enhance steroid hormones status in previously physically inactive middle-aged adults. The PAR program led to slight improvements than the HIIT and HIIT\u2009+\u2009EMS groups despite the application of a higher training volume.\n\n\nCLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY\nNCT03334357 (ClinicalTrials.gov). November 7, 2017 retrospectively registered.