TY - JOUR
T1 - Comparison of baseline free testosterone and cortisol concentrations between elite and non-elite female athletes
AU - Cook, C.J.
AU - Smith, A.A.
AU - Crewther, B.T.
PY - 2012/11
Y1 - 2012/11
N2 - Objectives:: To compare the baseline free testosterone (T) and cortisol (C) concentrations of elite and non-elite female athletes. Methods:: Eighteen females from different sports (track and field, netball, cycling, swimming, bob skeleton) were monitored over a 12-week period. Baseline measures of salivary free T and C concentrations were taken weekly prior to any training. The elites (n = 9) and non-elites (n = 9) were classified as international and national level competitors, respectively, with both groups matched by sport. Results:: The pooled free T concentrations of the elites (87 pg/ml) were significantly higher than the non-elites (41 pg/ml) and consistently so across all weekly time points (P <0.001). Pooled free C concentrations were also greater in the elite group (2.90 ng/ml) than the non-elites (2.32 ng/ml) (P <0.01). Conclusions:: The pooled baseline T and C measures were higher in elite female athletes than non-elites. Higher free T and C concentrations could indicate a greater capacity for physical performance at higher work rates, which is commensurate with the demands of elite sport. Speculatively, the T differences observed could influence female behavior and thereby help to regulate sporting potential.
AB - Objectives:: To compare the baseline free testosterone (T) and cortisol (C) concentrations of elite and non-elite female athletes. Methods:: Eighteen females from different sports (track and field, netball, cycling, swimming, bob skeleton) were monitored over a 12-week period. Baseline measures of salivary free T and C concentrations were taken weekly prior to any training. The elites (n = 9) and non-elites (n = 9) were classified as international and national level competitors, respectively, with both groups matched by sport. Results:: The pooled free T concentrations of the elites (87 pg/ml) were significantly higher than the non-elites (41 pg/ml) and consistently so across all weekly time points (P <0.001). Pooled free C concentrations were also greater in the elite group (2.90 ng/ml) than the non-elites (2.32 ng/ml) (P <0.01). Conclusions:: The pooled baseline T and C measures were higher in elite female athletes than non-elites. Higher free T and C concentrations could indicate a greater capacity for physical performance at higher work rates, which is commensurate with the demands of elite sport. Speculatively, the T differences observed could influence female behavior and thereby help to regulate sporting potential.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84867747125&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ajhb.22302
U2 - 10.1002/ajhb.22302
DO - 10.1002/ajhb.22302
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84867747125
SN - 1042-0533
VL - 24
SP - 856
EP - 858
JO - American Journal of Human Biology
JF - American Journal of Human Biology
IS - 6
ER -