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

PMID: 38074334
Journal: Frontiers in Physiology
Published: 2023-11-22
Authors: 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.

## Population

- Male semi-professional basketball players
- Sample size: 27
- Age: About 20.6 to 20.7 years
- Sex: Male
- Fitness level: Chronically trained basketball players
- Health status: Screened healthy with no pituitary disorder or relevant injury

## Methodology

- Randomized controlled experimental training study
- 7 weeks
- Basketball pre-season training with track HIIT
- Randomized and controlled study design.

## Protocol

- Running HIIT.
- Modality: Track running.
- Work intervals: 30 s.
- Recovery: 30 s active recovery; 5 min passive between series.
- Sets or repetitions: 2 x 8 to 10 intervals.
- Intensity: 100% to 110% MAV work and 50% MAV recovery.
- Session duration: Not fully reported; includes warm-up, intervals, and about 15-min cool-down.
- Frequency: 3 sessions/week.
- Program length: 7 weeks.
- Progression: Weekly manipulation of interval count and MAV intensity.
- Usual basketball training.
- Modality: Technical and tactical basketball training.
- Frequency: Usual evening sessions.
- Program length: 7 weeks.

## Outcomes

### Cortisol
Status: unclear
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.

### TSH
Status: improved
TSH decreased significantly in the experimental group.

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

### ACTH
Status: mixed
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.

### Lipids
Status: mixed
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.

## Practical 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 And Adherence

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

## Original Sources

- [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38074334/) (pubmed)
- [DOI](https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2023.1219780) (doi)
- [PMC full text](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10703296/) (full text)

## Agent Guidance

Preserve the paper-level scope of this note. Do not generalize beyond the population, protocol, measured outcomes, and limitations above.