Acute Weight Training-Induced Testosterone Responses of Trained Males Across Age Groups and Diets: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Testosterone has been associated with health and athletic performance. However, it is also known to decrease with age. The rise of these age-related, non-communicable diseases affects economic growth. To develop natural, safe, and sustainable fitness and nutrition programs to keep the aging population healthy and fully functional, the present study explored exercise, diet, and age as possible factors affecting hormonal levels and responses. Twelve recreationally trained men from different age groups (20s to 70s) and diets (vegans and meat eaters) completed a 30-minute weight training protocol. Blood samples were taken before and after exercise to determine exercise-induced changes in total testosterone (TT) levels. Additional hormonal tests for cortisol (C) and testosterone-cortisol ratio (T/C) were conducted for outliers to guide future research. Pretest-posttest analysis showed a statistically significant increase in TT within subjects; t(11)=-3.842, p=0.003. Younger men (35 years old and below) had a significantly greater increase in TT compared to older men (40 years old and above); X²(1)=4.121, p=0.042. Age was negatively correlated with TT increase (r=-0.622, p=0.031). Vegans showed higher estimated marginal mean TT levels in both pretest and posttest. In conclusion, a single session of 30-minute, moderate intensity, high-volume leg exercise can significantly increase blood serum TT in men across age groups and diets. Younger men tend to show greater increases in TT compared to older men. Further studies are needed to explore veganism as a more favorable diet for optimal testosterone levels.