Abstract
Aim. This study examined the predictive relationships between the salivary free testosterone (T) concentrations of elite athletes and the expression of force and power. Methods. A group of elite male rugby players (N.-64) were assessed for peak force (PF), peak rate of force development (PRFD), force at 100 milliseconds (F100 ms) and 250 milliseconds (F250 ms) during an isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), and/or peak power (PP) and height during a countermovement jump (CMJ). Saliva samples were collected before testing and assayed for free T. Relationships between individual T concentrations and performance were assessed as a pooled group and 4 sub-groups of equal size. Results. As pooled data sets, none of the IMTP and CMJ performance variables were significantly correlated with free T in either the PF or PP groups (r0.01-0.23). The PF and PP abilities of the 4 sub-groups were significantly different, so that PF1>PF2>PF3>PF4 (PPP2>PP3>PP4 (P
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 221-227 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness |
| Volume | 52 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - 2012 |
| Externally published | Yes |