The ratio between the concentration of testosterone and cortisol (T:C) is frequently used as indicative of the stress level imposed by the exercise. Alterations in the concentration of these hormones are responsible for modulating several responses induced by training, such as hypertrophy and strength gain. The objective of the present study was to investigate the influence of the resistance training protocol, also known as multiple-series (MS), on the strength gain, the muscular endurance and the relation between the concentration of catabolic hormones (cortisol) and anabolic hormones (testosterone). In order to test this hypothesis, five young women with one-year of strength training practice were submitted to the MS protocol. The blood samples were collected before and immediately after the exercise at the first day and after eight weeks of training. The 1-RM and the maximal repetition tests were also performed at the beginning and after eight weeks of strength training. No alterations on the body mass, on the IMC, on the fat mass percentage and on the maximal strength (1-RM) on bench press, squat and arm curl were observed. The number of maximal repetitions at 50% of the 1-RM was increased only for the bench press (p < 0.05). No alterations on the concentration of the total testosterone were observed. The cortisol plasmatic concentration, after eight weeks of training, in the rest situation, was reduced (38%; p < 0.05). Due to the lessening of the cortisol secretion after eight weeks of training, the T:C ratio presented elevation of 20% in the rest situation (p < 0.05). Although no functional alterations in the 1-RM and maximal repetitions tests were detected, the MS method induced a hormonal condition favorable to the protein metabolism.
Endocrine system; Multiple-series; Anabolism; Catabolism
