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Short Report
Comparison of baseline free testosterone and cortisol concentrations between elite and non-elite female athletes
Article first published online: 22 AUG 2012
DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.22302
Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Additional Information
How to Cite
Cook, C. J., Crewther, B. T. and Smith, A. A. (2012), Comparison of baseline free testosterone and cortisol concentrations between elite and non-elite female athletes. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 24: 856–858. doi: 10.1002/ajhb.22302
Publication History
- Issue published online: 15 OCT 2012
- Article first published online: 22 AUG 2012
- Manuscript Accepted: 19 JUN 2012
- Manuscript Revised: 18 JUN 2012
- Manuscript Received: 2 APR 2012
Funded by
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council UK
- UK Sport Council, as part of the Elite Sport Performance Research in Training (ESPRIT) with Pervasive Sensing Programme. Grant Number: EP/H009744/1
- Abstract
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Abstract
Objectives:
To compare the baseline free testosterone (T) and cortisol (C) concentrations of elite and non-elite female athletes.
Methods:
Eighteen females from different sports (track and field, netball, cycling, swimming, bob skeleton) were monitored over a 12-week period. Baseline measures of salivary free T and C concentrations were taken weekly prior to any training. The elites (n = 9) and non-elites (n = 9) were classified as international and national level competitors, respectively, with both groups matched by sport.
Results:
The pooled free T concentrations of the elites (87 pg/ml) were significantly higher than the non-elites (41 pg/ml) and consistently so across all weekly time points (P < 0.001). Pooled free C concentrations were also greater in the elite group (2.90 ng/ml) than the non-elites (2.32 ng/ml) (P < 0.01).
Conclusions:
The pooled baseline T and C measures were higher in elite female athletes than non-elites. Higher free T and C concentrations could indicate a greater capacity for physical performance at higher work rates, which is commensurate with the demands of elite sport. Speculatively, the T differences observed could influence female behavior and thereby help to regulate sporting potential. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.