Serum Testosterone Response to High-intensity Resistance Training in Male Veteran Sprint Runners

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of an 8-wk high-intensity resistance training program on muscular strength and basal serum testosterone in male veteran sprint runners. Twelve healthy veteran sprint runners, ages 45–79, were recruited as subjects and randomly assigned to an experimental (n = 8) or control (n = 4) group. Measured in both groups before and after the resistance training period were body mass, total skinfolds, isoinertial strength (bench press, leg press), peak torque (knee extensors, knee flexors), and basal testosterone levels. ANOVA revealed significant increases (p < 0.05) in both the isoinertial and isokinetic strength of the experimental group following resistance training. However, no significant increase in basal testosterone level was observed in that group after 8 weeks of resistance training. The results suggest significant improvements in muscular strength in veteran male sprint runners following 8 weeks of high-intensity resistance training. Furthermore, the strength gains are not explained by changes in basal serum testosterone and may be due to neurological, physiological, and morphological factors.