The effects of two equal-volume training protocols upon strength, body composition and salivary hormones in male rugby union players

B T Crewther; T O L Heke; Justin W L Keogh

doi:10.5604/20831862.1196511

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The effects of two equal-volume training protocols upon strength, body composition and salivary hormones in male rugby union players

Journal article

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The effects of two equal-volume training protocols upon strength, body composition and salivary hormones in male rugby union players

B T Crewther, T O L Heke and Justin W L Keogh

Biology of Sport, Vol.33(2), pp.111-116

2016

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5604/20831862.1196511

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Abstract

endocrine hormones

neuromuscular

adaptation

rugby

This study examined the effects of two equal-volume resistance-training protocols upon strength, body composition and salivary hormones in male rugby union players. Using a crossover design, 24 malerugby players completed a 4-week full-body (FB) and split-body (SB) training protocol of equal volume during the competitive season. One repetition maximum (1RM) strength, body composition via skinfold measurements and salivary testosterone (T) and cortisol (C) concentrations were assessed pre and post training. The FB and SB protocols improved upper (7.3% and 7.4%) and lower body 1RM strength (7.4% and 5.4%), whilst reducing body fat (-0.9% and -0.4%) and fat mass (-5.7% and -2.1%), respectively (all p ≤ 0.021). The SB protocol elevated T (21%) and C (50%) concentrations with a higher T/C ratio (28%) after FB training (all p ≤ 0.039). The strength changes were similar, but the body composition and hormonal results differed by protocol. Slope testing on the individual responses identified positive associations (p ≤ 0.05) between T and C concentrations and absolute 1RM strength in stronger (squat 1RM = 150.5 kg), but not weaker (squat 1RM = 117.4 kg), men. A short window of training involving FB or SB protocols can improve strength and body composition in rugby players. The similar strength gains highlight training volume as a key adaptive stimulus, although the programme structure (i.e. FB or SB) did influence the body composition and hormonal outcomes. It also appears that 1RM strength is associated with individual hormonal changes and baseline strength.

Details

Title: The effects of two equal-volume training protocols upon strength, body composition and salivary hormones in male rugby union players
Authors: B T Crewther (Author) - Institute of Sport, Poland
T O L Heke (Author) - Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand
Justin W L Keogh (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Publication details: Biology of Sport, Vol.33(2), pp.111-116
Publisher: Instytut Sportu
Date published: 2016
DOI: 10.5604/20831862.1196511
ISSN: 0860-021X
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449452302621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Sport Sciences