Rafael Timón

Urinary steroid profile after the completion of concentric and concentric/eccentric trials with the same total workload.

High intensity strength training causes changes in steroid hormone concentrations. This could be altered by the muscular contraction type: eccentric or concentric. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of the completion of a short concentric (CON) and concentric/eccentric (CON/ECC) trial on the urinary steroid profile, both with the same total work. 18 males performed the trials on an isokinetic dynamometer (BIODEX III) exercising quadriceps muscles, right and left, on different days. Trial 1(CON): 4×10 Concentric knee extension + relax knee flexion, speed 60°/second; rest 90 seconds between each series and 4 minutes between each leg exercise. Trial 2(CON/ECC): 4×5 concentric knee extension + Eccentric knee flexion under similar conditions. Urine samples were taken before the exercise and one hour after finishing it. Androsterone, Etiocholanolone, DHEA, Androstenedione, Testosterone, Epitestosterone, Dehydrotestosterone, Estrone, B-Estradiol, Tetrahydrocortisone, Tetrahydrocortisol, Cortisone and Cortisol (free, glucoconjugated and sulfoconjugated) urinary values were determined using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry techniques. No significant differences were noted in Total Work and Average Peak Torque, although Maximum Peak Torque in the CON/ECC trial was higher than in the CON trial. These results demonstrate no changes in the steroid profile before and after trials, or when comparing CON to CON/ECC trials. The data suggest that eccentric contractions do not cause hormonal changes different to the ones produced by concentric contractions, when they are performed in strength short trials with the same total workload.ResumenEl entrenamiento de fuerza de alta intensidad provoca variaciones en la concentración de esteroides. El tipo de contracción muscular, excéntrica o concéntrica, podría ser un factor que la alterase. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar el efecto de la realización de una sesión corta de ejercicio concéntrico (CON) y otra concéntrica/excéntrica (CON/EXC), con la misma carga de trabajo total, sobre el perfil esteroideo urinario. 18 hombres realizaron dos sesiones de ejercicio de corta duración utilizando una máquina isocinética (BIODEX III) en días diferentes y trabajando los músculos cuádriceps de ambas piernas. La sesión de ejercicio 1 (CON) fue un 4×10 rep de extensión concéntrica de rodilla más relajación en el movimiento de flexión, a una velocidad de 60°/segundo y con una recuperación de 90 seg. entre cada serie y 4 minutos entre cada una de las piernas. La sesión de ejercicio 2 (CON/EXC) fue un 4×5 rep. de extensión concéntrica de rodilla más flexión excéntrica de rodilla, con las mismas condiciones de velocidad y recuperación. Muestras de orina fueron se tomaron antes del ejercicio y una hora después de finalizarlo. Los niveles urinarios (fracción libre, glucoconjugada y sulfoconjugada) de Androsterona, Etiocolanolona, DHEA, Androstenodiona, Testosterona, Epitestosterona, Dehidrotestosterona, Estrona, β-estradiol, Tetrahidrocortisona, Tetrahidrocortisol, Cortisona y Cortisol, se determinaron usando técnicas de cromatografía de gases-espectrometría de masas. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en los valores de Trabajo Total y de Pico Torque Medio, aunque los valores de Pico Torque Máximo fueron más alto en el CON/EXC ejercicio que en el CON. Tampoco se observó ningún cambio en el perfil esteroideo urinario entre antes y después de las sesiones de ejercicio, o comparando las sesiones CON/EXC con la CON. Por tanto, los datos sugieren que las contracciones excéntricas no producen alteraciones hormonales diferentes a las producidas por las contracciones concéntricas, cuando se trata de sesiones de ejercicio de fuerza de corta duración con similar carga de trabajo total.

Determination of urine steroid profile in untrained men to evaluate recovery after a strength training session.

Timon, R, Olcina, G, Muñoz, D, Maynar, JI, Caballero, MJ, and Maynar, M. Determination of urine steroid profile in untrained men to evaluate recovery after a strength training session. J Strength Cond Res 22: 1087-1093, 2008-Intense physical exercise is an important modifier of hormone metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the variations in the urine profile of glucuroconjugated steroids (androgens, estrogens, and corticosteroids) as a consequence of a session of strength exercises. The subjects were a group (N = 20) of untrained male university students. They performed 3 sets of 10 repetitions, with a 3-minute recovery time between sets, at 70-75% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM). Four urine samples were collected per subject: before the session, immediately after, 3 hours after, and 48 hours after the session. They were assayed using a gas chromatograph coupled with a mass spectrometer. The concentrations of the different hormones were determined according to the urine creatinine level (ng steroid per mg creatinine). The substances assayed were testosterone, epitestosterone (Epit), androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androsterone, etiocholanolone, β-estradiol, estrone, tetrahydrocortisone (THE), and tetrahydrocortisol (THF). The results showed a significant decline after exercise with respect to the rested state in the urinary excretion of testosterone, Epit, DHEA, androsterone, and etiocholanolone. At 48 hours, there was a significant increase in the urinary excretion of Epit, androstenedione, androsterone, etiocholanolone, estrone, and THE. The androsterone + etiocholanolone/THE + THF ratio decreased after exercise, increased significantly (p < 0.05) at 3 hours, and returned to near resting levels at 48 hours. The data suggest that the performing a strength session at 70-75% of maximum strength provoked a state of fatigue in the subjects, from which they recovered 48 hours after the exercise.

The use of continuous vs. intermittent cold water immersion as a recovery method in basketball players after training: a randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Objectives: The main objective of this study was to compare two cold water immersion protocols, continuous or intermittent, on recovery in basketball players. Methods: Ten male basketball players (age: 14 ± 0.4 years, body mass: 65.4 ± 9.1 kg, height: 175 ± 7.3 cm, body fat %: 10.3 ± 4) were included in the study. After three 90-minute training sessions (avg. heart rate 158 ± 11.92, 156 ± 7.06 and 151 ± 10.44 bpm), participants were grouped into a continuous immersion (12 min at 12 ± 0.4°C) group, intermittent immersion (4 x 2 min immersion at 12 ± 0.4 °C + 1 min out of water) group and a control group (CG). Countermovement jump (CMJ), muscle pain and thigh volume were measured. Results: Both cold water immersion protocols were effective in reducing the pain 24 and 48 hours after training compared with the CG (F (3.54) = 2.91, p = 0.016, ηp2 = .24). Concerning CMJ change, % differences occurred at 24 (Z = 11.04, p = 0.004) and 48 hours (Z = 14.01, p < 0.001) in comparison with the CG. Regarding the muscle volume, the statistical analysis did not report a significant interaction (F (3.54) = 2.42, p = 0.058). Conclusion: Both cold water immersion CWI protocols are effective in improving recovery in basketball players.

Abdominal obesity in adolescents: Development of age‐specific waist circumference cut‐offs linked to adult IDF criteria

The purpose of this study was to develop age‐ and sex‐specific waist circumference (WC) cut‐off points, linked to older adolescent and adult criteria for abdominal obesity, to be applied to children in the clinical setting.

Effects of whole-body vibration after eccentric exercise on muscle soreness and muscle strength recovery

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not a single whole-body vibration treatment after eccentric exercise can reduce muscle soreness and enhance muscle recovery. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty untrained participants were randomly assigned to two groups: a vibration group (n=10) and control group (n=10). Participants performed eccentric quadriceps training of 4 sets of 5 repetitions at 120% 1RM, with 4 min rest between sets. After that, the vibration group received 3 sets of 1 min whole body vibration (12 Hz, 4 mm) with 30 s of passive recovery between sets. Serum creatine kinase, blood urea nitrogen, muscle soreness (visual analog scale) and muscle strength (peak isometric torque) were assessed. [Results] Creatine kinase was lower in the vibration group than in the control group at 24 h (200.2 ± 8.2 vs. 300.5 ± 26.1 U/L) and at 48 h (175.2 ± 12.5 vs. 285.2 ± 19.7 U/L) post-exercise. Muscle soreness decreased in vibration group compared to control group at 48 h post-exercise (34.1 ± 11.4 vs. 65.2 ± 13.2 mm). [Conclusion] Single whole-body vibration treatment after eccentric exercise reduced delayed onset muscle soreness but it did not affect muscle strength recovery.

Urinary endogenous steroids and their relationships with BMD and body composition in healthy young males

Some studies have stated that steroid hormones have associations with the values of strength, bone mass density (BMD), and body composition shown by people [1]. In this way, steroid hormonal changes have been directly or indirectly associated with changes in body composition, fat distribution, lean mass, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, as well as depression [2]. Regarding to this topic, most studies have been carried out using blood samples. However, some research has tried to analyze the correlation among urinary steroid hormones and body mass index, fat mass, or BMD [3, 4]. Urinary samples are easy to obtain in sufficient quantities without the need for invasive techniques. Therefore, in this study, we tested the hypothesis that the values of bone mineral density and body composition are related to the values of urinary endogenous steroid excretion (androgens, estrogens, and corticosteroids).

Plasma total fatty acid responses to exercise following caffeine ingestion

Abstract Aerobic exercise is associated with changes in the blood profile of fatty acids. Caffeine is known to be a potential lipolytic agent. Hence, caffeine ingestion in addition to exercise might have an influence on fatty acids, with positive effects on health and performance. The aim of the present study, therefore, was to assess the effect of caffeine (5 mg · kg body mass−1) ingested before aerobic exercise on the total plasma fatty acid profile. In a crossover, double-blind, randomized study involving 20 untrained males ( 43.57±6.48 ml · kg−1 · min−1), blood lactate concentration, plasma caffeine values, and plasma fatty acid profile were examined using chromatographic techniques before and after 30 min of steady-state cycle exercise at 75% under placebo and caffeine conditions. Ventilatory responses and substrate oxidation rates were determined during exercise and recovery. Ventilatory responses, lactate concentrations, and fat and carbohydrate oxidation rates were not affected by caffeine ingestion. Carbohydrate was the main substrate oxidized during steady-state trials under both conditions, although exercise increased blood saturated fatty acids (placebo: 28.30±5.90% vs. 31.09±4.59, P<0.05; caffeine: 28.88±4.12% vs. 29.60±4.56%). Unsaturated blood concentrations of oleic fatty acid trans (C18:1t) increased due to caffeine (placebo: 2.22±2.81% vs. 2.61±3.86%; caffeine 1.53±0.19% vs. 1.70±0.49%, P<0.05). In conclusion, the ingestion of caffeine prior to moderate-to-high aerobic exercise may not have a clear metabolic advantage under the conditions of the present study in untrained individuals, although it might influence some individual unsaturated fatty acids (C18:1t) despite low fat oxidation rates.

Anthropometric and Physical Performance of Youth Handball Players: The Role of the Relative Age

Background: The relative age effect is essential throughout all of the talent selection processes in sports, especially during adolescence, which leaves fewer athletes within each cohort that are born late in the selected year. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of relative age in anthropometric and physical performance characteristics of youth handball players by gender. Methods: The sample that was selected included 47 participants (male n = 23, female n = 24). The data collection included anthropometric, body compositions parameters, and physical performance levels. Results: There was a significantly higher representation of players in the first semester in comparison with the second semester, for all of the gender groups, except for the selected male players. In males, statistically significant differences were found in height, sitting height, weight, wingspan, arm and leg circumferences, and in throws speed (in support and in suspension) between those players that were born in the first and second semester. Conclusion: The results confirmed an effect of relative age in the players born in 2002 that were selected to participate in the Spanish Championship, which was different for males and females. In spite of this effect, which only appeared in females, significant differences in the anthropometric and physical conditions appeared in the male players.

Changes in physiological and performance variables in non-professional triathletes after taking part in an Olympic distance triathlon

ABSTRACT Given increasing popularity of triathlon, the objective of this study was to evaluate the acute effects upon the health of triathletes. To do so, with a sample of 23 male athletes (34.4 ± 7.9 years old), an assessment was carried out both before and after an Olympic distance triathlon, of the bodily composition, the jumping ability and the BORG and VAS scales, as well as a blood analysis of the following: Lactate (mmol/L), Hematrocrit (%), Glucose (mg/dL), Total proteins (mg/dL), Triglycerides (mg/dL), Bilirubin (mg/dL), GOT (IU/L), GPT (IU/L), LDH (IU/L), CPK (IU/L). The results showed an increase (p < 0.001) in the different markers of metabolic stress and muscular damage following the triathlon, but always within a normal range considered to be healthy, with the exception of CPK (IU/L) (PRE 149.33 ± 108.16 vs POST 290.10 ± 102.48). Therefore, it would seem that competing in an Olympic-distance triathlon does not pose health risks for trained subjects.

Urinary Steroid Profile in Ironman Triathletes

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine variations in the urinary steroid profile of triathletes following an Ironman event. A total of 10 male participants (age = 36.0 ± 1.27 years; body height = 179.29 ± 10.77 cm; body mass = 74.50 ± 1.04 kg) completed an Ironman Championship. Urine samples were collected before, immediately after, and 24 hours following the race. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to detect and quantify catabolic and anabolic hormones: Androsterone, Dehydroepiandrosteone (DHEA), Androstenedione and Testosterone (T), Betaestradiol, Estrone, Progesterone, Cortisol (C), Cortisone, Tetrahydrocortisol (THE) and Tetrahydrocortisone (THF). These were measured in their glucuroconjugated and free forms. Androsterone (3297.80 ± 756.83 vs. 2154.26 ± 1375.38), DHEA (47.80 ± 19.21 vs. 32.62 ± 15.96) and Beta-estradiol (59.36 ± 11.7 vs. 41.67 ± 10.59) levels decreased after the event. The significant decrease of DHEA (47.80 ± 19.21 vs. 32.11 ± 14.03) remained at 24 hours. Cortisol (200.38 ± 56.60 vs. 257.10 ± 74.00) and THE (238.65 ± 81.55 vs. 289.62 ± 77.13) increased after exercise and remained elevated 24 hours later (200.38 ± 56.60 vs. 252.48 ± 62.09; 238.65 ± 81.55 vs. 284.20 ± 66.66). The following anabolic/catabolic ratios fell after exercise: T/C (0.85 ± 0.54 vs. 0.54 ± 0.29), T/THE (0.66 ± 0.29 vs. 0.40 ± 0.08), T/THE+THF (0.38 ± 0.17 vs. 0.24 ± 0.06), DHEA/THE (0.22 ± 0.05 vs. 0.12 ± 0.05), DHEA/THF (0.34 ± 0.02 vs. 0.21 ± 0.01) and DHEA/THE+THF (0.12 ± 0.02 vs. 0.08 ± 0.03). The steroid profile showed that athletes were fatigued after finishing the competition and a catabolic state remained 24 hours later.