Active and passive recovery influence responses of luteinizing hormone and testosterone to a fatiguing strength loading

The purpose of this study was to examine the acute hormonal and muscular responses to a strenuous strength loading [bilateral leg press (LP) 10 x 10 1RM] followed by loading-specific active (AR, n = 7, LP 10 x 10 x 30% 1RM) or passive (PR, n = 11, seated) recovery. The subjects were men age: 26 +/- 4 years, height: 174 +/- 8 cm, body mass: 75 +/- 13 kg. After control measurements, experimental measurements were conducted at pre- and post-loading as well as post-recovery and next morning. A significantly higher absolute concentration (p < 0.05) of serum luteinizing hormone (LH) was observed in AR than PR at next morning while no differences were observed in serum testosterone (T), cortisol (C) or sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Significant differences in relative hormonal responses to the loading were observed at next morning with greater responses observed in AR than in PR in terms of LH, and T (p < 0.05). Maximal bilateral isometric force (MVC) and countermovement jump height (CMJ) decreased significantly (p < 0.001) from the control measurements in both AR and PR but returned to control levels by next morning. No between-group differences were observed in mean absolute or relative changes in MVC or CMJ. From a hormonal perspective, the present AR method appears to have had some favorable effects following the strenuous strength loading; however, acute decreases in muscular force production did not significantly differ between groups. These results provide insight into the development of training programs that may help to support the performance of individuals involved in strenuous tasks.