ABSTRACT
We analyze the outcome on testosterone (T) and cortisol (C) responses in 12 professional basketball players during a season of competition. Serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), C, total testosterone (TT), and free testosterone (FT) levels were analyzed in October, December, March, and April. A day after the games, blood samples were taken. Serum ACTH levels were maintained at the initial levels during the season. However, basal C significantly changed during the season, with lower levels in December and in April. Basal serum TT levels increased during the season until a maximum in March. No differences were presented in the TT values in December, March, and April. Basal FT presented high levels in October and December, followed by a low level in March, remaining low in April. The T/C increased during the season, attaining a maximum level in December, followed by a significant decrease in March. Free T/C ratio decreased during the season (lower level in March). In conclusion, the players maintained a good anabolic-catabolic balance. In our opinion, to prevent the stress provoked during the season, and control the recovery periods, it is useful to monitor C, T, and the level of training.
Subject(s)
Athletic Performance/physiology , Basketball/physiology , Competitive Behavior/physiology , Hydrocortisone/blood , Testosterone/blood , Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/blood , Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/metabolism , Adult , Analysis of Variance , Athletes , Case-Control Studies , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Humans , Hydrocortisone/metabolism , Male , Muscle Fatigue/physiology , Muscle Strength/physiology , Physical Education and Training/methods , Physical Endurance/physiology , Probability , Seasons , Spain , Testosterone/metabolism , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Workers' health is of vital importance in order for workers to work at their utmost on their jobs. The prevalence of specific pathologies affects the normal functioning of workers, provoking incapacities and absences from work. The authors measure the prevalence of chronic type illnesses among cleaning and administrative personnel. The authors analyze differences based on gender and they evaluate its influence on the work assigned. In both labor groups, there exists a significant difference in the prevalence of varicose veins and scoliosis favorable in the feminine sex, a fact which corresponds to gender reasons and not to the type of work carried out. Arterial hypertension, on the other hand, is more prevalent among men in both groups, making them be exposed to a greater cardiovascular risk. The remaining pathologies found did not show any significant gender differences.
