Pritzlaff, C. J., Wideman, L., Weltman, J. Y., Gutgesell, M. E., Hartman, M. L., Veldhuis, J. D. & Weltman, A. (1998). Effects of exercise intensity on growth hormone (GH) release. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 30(5), Supplement abstract 273.

The effects of exercise intensity on growth hormone (GH) release were investigated. Males (N = 7) were tested on six occasions (one control, and five exercise). Ss were housed in, exercised, rested, and ate under controlled conditions. The five exercise conditions were at various percentages of lactate threshold (25, 75, 100, 125, and 175%).

GH at 25%LT was no different than controls. At 75, 100, and 125% GH was significantly greater than controls and at 175% was greater than all other conditions.

Growth hormone secretion is directly related to the intensity of exercise.

Implication. Growth hormone testing, if it is ever done, would need to be performed when an athlete is fully rested and not exhibiting elevated levels that have resulted from exercise.

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