Abstract
In 30 rowers plasma growth hormone and Cortisol responses to a 7-min test on a rowing
apparatus, performed at the highest possible rate, or to a competition race of 2000
m were recorded three times during a period that lasted up to 20 months. Apart from
an improvement of the results in competition the increased performance capacity was
also indicated by means of power output during the 7-min test (from 363±8 to 425±7
W in group A and from 382±7 to 437±9W in group B). A pronounced rise was found in
pre-exercise (in group A) and post-exercise (in both groups) Cortisol levels. Post-exercise
growth hormone levels increased when the rise in the mean power output was 40 W. Significant
correlations were revealed between group values of power output and hormone levels
during the study period. The performance capacity correlated with growth hormone levels
after competition. The highest values were found in 10 elite rowers, studied additionally
during an international competition. In Cortisol values this kind of dependence was
not found. Only the pre-competition concentrations of Cortisol were significantly
higher in elite rowers than in rowers of lower performance levels. Thus a further
improvement of the performance capacity in previously trained sportsmen is associated
with elevated growth hormone and Cortisol levels in supramaximal exercises.
Key words
Cortisol - supramaximal exercise - rower - growth hormone - training
