The Effect of Two Types of Tapering on Cortisol, Testosterone and Testosterone/Cortisol Ratio in Male Soccer Players

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of two types of tapering on cortisol, testosterone and the ratio of testosterone to Cortisol in male soccer players. 30 semi-professional soccer players (age=26.54±3.2, height=176.90±5.90, weight=72.56+3.63) members of ShahinSazeh team of Farsan county, after eight weeks of selected training were randomly in three equal groups of tapering 1 (decrease 25% of training volume), tapering 2 (decrease 50% of exercise volume) and control. After eight weeks soccer training, tapering (decline in exercise volume without changing exercise intensity) was performed during two weeks. Blood sample was drawn in three stages, before start of eight weeks selected training, before and after tapering. Mean and standard deviation were used for statistical data description and one analysis of variance with repeated measures and Bonferroni test was used for inference analysis. Significance level of p < 0.05 was considered. Present study results showed that testosterone and the ratio of testosterone to cortisol had significant increase in 25% and 50% groups after two weeks of tapering (P?0.05). Cortisol value had significant decrease in 25% and 50% groups (P?0.05). Totally, it seems that two weeks tapering resulted in significant increase in testosterone and the ratio of testosterone to cortisol and significant decrease in cortisol. Also, 50% tapering had more increase in testosterone and the ratio of testosterone to cortisol and more decrease in cortisol value to 25% tapering. However, tapering is a suitable approach for improving performance of hormone system after a period of high pressure training in soccer players.