The effect of endocrine parameters on muscle hypertrophy in young handball players

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of endocrine parameters on muscle hypertrophy after 8 weeks of strength training in adolescent handball players Metod: Twenty adolescents playing handball participated in the study. The participants were divided subject (n=10) and control (n=10). Subject group participated 8-week handball and strength training. Control group participated only in handball training. Before and after the 8-week study, body composition analyses, hormone and oxidative stress were determined by taking blood sample. In addition, 1RM calculated. The data was analyzed in SPSS 23 program. In the analysis of within group tests, Wilcoxon Signed Rasnks test was used. In the analysis of between group tests, Man Withney U test was used. To determine the correlation between muscle mass and hormone and oxidative stress, Spearman correlation test was used. Findings: In findings, it was observed that strength training in adolescence increased free testosterone (p <0,05). Also, it was observed to reduce IGFBP3 and SHBG. Strength training had a positive effect on total oxidative status (p <0,05). While there was an increase in 1 RM and muscle mass in subject group, control group didn't. Although no correlation was found between muscle mass and serum hormone levels (p>0,05), a correlation between muscle mass and TOS was found. Conclusion: Consequently, strength training can be effective to reduce oxidative stress and increases maximal strength and muscle mass in adolescent handballers. A correlation between muscle mass and TOS was found.