Neuroendocrinology and resistance training in adult males

Abstract

An understanding of the neuroendocrine system will assist the Strength and Conditioning coach in the design of progressive strength training programmes by allowing them to manipulate acute training variables according to hormone release profiles. For muscle hypertrophy, training programmes should utilise 3 sets of 10 repetitions at 10RM loads, with short rest periods of no longer than 1 minute. This will ensure the accumulation and maintenance of lactate and hydrogen ions, to which anabolic hormone release is correlated. For strength adaptations without concomitant muscle hypertrophy, the training load and the length of rest periods should be increased, (>85% 1RM and >2mins respectively), and body parts should be rotated (e.g. upper body to lower body or agonist to antagonist). Finally, catabolic hormones and neurohormones significantly affect training adaptations. Therefore the strength and conditioning coach should be cognisant of the specific exercise programming and psychological interventions that manipulate their release.