Concentrations of salivary testosterone, cortisol, and immunoglobulin A after supra-maximal exercise in female adolescents

• Published in: Journal of sports sciences Vol. 28; no. 12; pp. 1361 - 1368
• Main Authors: Thomas, N. E., Leyshon, A., Hughes, M. G., Jasper, M. A., Davies, B., Graham, M. R., Bulloch, J. M., Baker, J. S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 01-10-2010; Taylor & Francis; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Adolescence; Adolescent; Bicycling - physiology; Biological and medical sciences; Body fluids; cortisol; Counseling; Data processing; Exercise; Exercise (effects); Exercise - physiology; Exercise Test; Female; Females; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Health; Hormones; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Hydrocortisone - analysis; Immune response; Immunity, Mucosal; Immunoglobulin A; Immunoglobulin A, Secretory - analysis; Immunoglobulins; Light effects; Mucosal immunity; Physical activity; Physical Exertion - physiology; Physical training; Physiology; Saliva - chemistry; Sports; Studies; Supra-maximal; Teenagers; Testosterone; Testosterone - analysis; Training (programs); Vertebrates: body movement. Posture. Locomotion. Flight. Swimming. Physical exercise. Rest. Sports; Physical exercise; Human; Immunoglobulins; Androgen; females; immunoglobulin A; Supra-maximal; Hydrocortisone; Glucocorticoid; Testosterone; cortisol; Sport; Adrenal hormone; Adolescent; Female; Testicular hormone; Sex steroid hormone
• ISSN: 0264-0414; 1466-447X
• DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2010.510144

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of supra-maximal exercise on circulating concentrations of salivary testosterone, salivary cortisol, and salivary immunoglobulin A in female adolescents. Nineteen apparently healthy females aged 15-16 years participated in this study. All participants completed 6 × 8 s sprints, interspersed with 30 s recovery intervals on a cycle ergometer. Salivary testosterone, cortisol, and immunoglobulin A samples were taken before and 5 min after exercise. Experimental procedures continued over two mornings, at least 3 h after a light breakfast. Participants refrained from performing any strenuous physical activity for at least 24 h prior to the exercise test. None of the participants were engaged in a structured training programme. The group mean ( ± s) for peak power output was 562 ± 113.0 W. Female adolescents recruited for this study showed no changes in salivary testosterone, cortisol or immunoglobulin A following repeated bouts of supra-maximal cycling (P > 0.05). To date, there has been a paucity of information concerning adolescents' hormonal and mucosal immune function responses to supra-maximal exercise. Our data provide further guidance with regard to physical activities and sports prescription for female adolescents. Further research, on a larger sample of females, is required to elucidate the physiological significance of these findings.