Santhiago, V., da Silva, A. D., & Gobatto, C. A. (2006). Effects of taper on some hormonal and biochemical overtraining markers in high performance swimmers. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 38(5), Supplement abstract 1584.

This study evaluated the responses of hormonal and biochemical markers previously associated with overtraining, and before (T1) and after (T2) four weeks of a taper period in a group of male swimmers. National and international level male swimmers (N = 15; age = 18.93 ± 1.79 years) provided a resting blood sample to determine cortisol, urea, creatinine, and creatine kinase. The hormonal and biochemical responses before and after the taper period were compared.

Creatinine and creatine kinase concentrations did change from before to after the taper. Serum values of urea were reduced significantly after taper. Serum values of cortisol did not change due to taper. Serum values of testosterone were significantly lower after taper. The testosterone/cortisol ratio was diminished significantly after taper when compared to before.

Implication. Taper reverses or attenuates some biochemical and hormonal markers previously associated with fatigue and overtraining in swimming. Further verification of these results are needed.

Return to Table of Contents for Physiology of Swimming.