Abstract

PACOBAHYBA, Nelson et al. Muscle strength, serum basal levels of testosterone and urea in soccer athletes submitted to non-linear periodization program. Rev Bras Med Esporte [online]. 2012, vol.18, n.2, pp. 130-133. ISSN 1517-8692.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1517-86922012000200014.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the muscle strength and basal serum testosterone and urea levels in soccer athletes. Twenty-four soccer players in pre-competitive period had a blood sample collected to have testosterone and urea concentrations analyzed.  Subsequently, 1RM tests were applied to the bench press and squat exercises. After data collection, the athletes were randomly divided in two groups submitted to: non-linear periodization program (G1) and non-periodized program (G2), both for 12 weeks. ANOVA for repeated measures showed increase in serum testosterone concentration in G1 (∆ = 3.70 ng/dl; p = 0.0001) and in G2 (∆ = 1.81 ng/dl; p = 0.035) and reduction in urea levels only in G1 (∆ = -3.08mg%; p = 0.0001). G1 presented higher levels of testosterone (∆ = 2.13 ng/dl; p = 0.009) and lower levels of urea (∆ = -1.36mg%; p = 0.026) in the post-test when compared to G2. 1RM tests did not show significant differences. The non-linear training in soccer players was more effective than the non-periodized training in promoting increase in serum testosterone levels and reduction in urea levels.

Keywords : hormones; physical education and training; soccer.