Cytokine and hormone concentrations can be linked to the manipulation of training variables and to subsequent alterations in performance.
Subjects: Nine D-1 collegiate throwers and 4 control subjects participated in this preliminary and exploratory report.
Methods: Hormone (testosterone (T) and cortisol (C)) and adipokine (adiponectin, leptin, and resistin) measurements were taken at weeks 1, 7, and 11 for the throwers and weeks 1 and 11 for the control group. The throwers participated in an 11-week periodized resistance training and throws program during the fall preparatory period. Volume load was recorded throughout the study.
Results: Hormone values did not exhibit statistically significant changes across time; however, there were notable changes for C, the testosterone to cortisol ratio (T:C), and adiponectin.
Conclusions: T:C was increased as volume load decreased, and adiponectin increased in concert with decreases in C and increases in the T:C, possibly suggesting a lesser degree of obesity-related inflammation and a higher degree of "fitness" and preparedness.
Keywords: adipokine; athlete monitoring; biochemical markers; cortisol; testosterone; throwers.