PMID 38074334

Research
All papers

Effects of high-intensity interval training program on pituartry function in basketball players: a randomized controlled trial

Soslu R, Uysal A, Devrilmez M, Can Çuvalcıoğlu İ, Doğan AA, Karaburgu S, Taş M

Question

How does a 7-week high-intensity interval running program affect pituitary-related hormones and metabolic markers in male basketball players?

Summary

In male semi-professional basketball players, adding 7 weeks of running HIIT to usual basketball training changed several endocrine and metabolic biomarkers compared with a control group continuing usual training. The cortisol conclusion is uncertain because the table showed a non-significant within-group cortisol decrease despite narrative claims of cortisol lowering.

Methodology

  • Male semi-professional basketball players
  • 27 participants.
  • Track running.
  • Work intervals: 30 s.
  • Recovery: 30 s active recovery; 5 min passive between series.
  • Intensity: 100% to 110% MAV work and 50% MAV recovery.
  • Not fully reported; includes warm-up, intervals, and about 15-min cool-down.
  • 3 sessions/week.
  • 7 weeks.
  • Randomized controlled experimental training study
  • Cortisol, Pituitary and thyroid markers, and Lipids and glucose were tracked.

Outcomes

Cortisol

Cortisol decreased numerically in the experimental group, but the table did not show statistical significance.

EG 10.37 +/- 2.22 to 9.64 +/- 2.26 ug/dL; p=0.205.

Unclear

TSH

TSH decreased significantly in the experimental group.

EG 2.36 +/- 1.46 to 1.97 +/- 0.84 mU/mL; p=0.000.

Improved

ACTH

ACTH increased significantly in both groups.

EG 22.22 +/- 6.14 to 30.06 +/- 12.13, p=0.001; CG 17.25 +/- 2.60 to 31.25 +/- 15.91, p=0.000.

Mixed

Lipids

Cholesterol and triglycerides decreased in the exercise group, while HDL also decreased.

Exercise-group within-group tests reported p=0.000 for cholesterol, triglyceride, and HDL.

Mixed

Insights

  • Do not use this study as strong support for cortisol-lowering claims.
  • Athlete biomarker studies are best treated as mechanistic background.
  • 30:30 running intervals require training status, spacing, and supervision.

Limitations

  • Small sample
  • Athlete-only male population
  • Surrogate outcomes
  • Cortisol narrative conflicts with table significance
  • No general-population or female sample

Safety

  • No adverse-event statement was found in the extracted NXML.
  • Athletes were screened for pituitary disorders, medication use, and injuries.