Chou, C-C., Wu, S-S., Chen, T-S., Lin, J-C. (June 2, 2010). Low-intensity of running favors for anabolic response after resistance exercise. Presentation 1491 at the 2010 Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; June 2-5.

This study examined the effect of active (moderate- or low-intensity running) and passive recovery after resistance exercise on testosterone, cortisol, and the testosterone/cortisol ratio responses. Recreationally active males (N = 9) completed three tests including: 65% VO2max running (moderate intensity), 40% VO2max running (low intensity) and passive rest following three sets of four resistance exercises (bench press, leg extension, front lat pulldown, and leg curl; 12 repetitions at 60%1 RM with two minutes rest between all sets and exercises). Systemic anabolic status was evaluated through plasma testosterone, cortisol, and the testosterone/cortisol ratio before resistance exercise (baseline), immediately after either active or passive recovery, and 30 minutes after the exercises.

In the moderate intensity group, the testosterone/cortisol ratio was significantly lower 30 minutes after exercise than at baseline. In the low-intensity group, the testosterone/cortisol ratio was significantly higher at both immediately after and 30 minutes after exercise than at baseline. After 30 minutes of rest, the testosterone/cortisol ratio of the low-intensity group was higher than that of the moderate-intensity group.

Implication. Low-intensity aerobic exercise following resistance exercise enhances the anabolic response during post-exercise recovery. Increasing the intensity of the aerobic exercise reduces this effect.

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