Endocrine Response to Resistance training

What is the primary function of the adrenal gland in response to exercise?

It plays a major role in the "Fight or Flight" response, releasing hormones in response to exercise stress.

Name the key adrenal hormones released during exercise.

Catecholamines (Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Dopamine) and Glucocorticoids (Cortisol).

What is cortisol’s primary role in metabolism?

It helps regulate carbohydrate metabolism by maintaining blood glucose, especially when glycogen stores are low.

How does cortisol affect muscle tissue during prolonged exercise?

It promotes protein breakdown, especially in Type II fibers, increasing amino acids in circulation for energy conversion.

How does cortisol secretion change throughout the day?

Cortisol levels are highest in the early morning and decrease throughout the day.

What type of resistance training induces the greatest cortisol response?

High volume, short rest intervals, and protocols that stimulate anaerobic metabolism, like hypertrophy or endurance training.

Why is it important for cortisol levels to increase during resistance training?

Cortisol makes energy available by increasing lipolysis and proteolysis, which helps in muscle remodeling and repair.

What is a potential negative effect of chronically elevated cortisol due to exercise?

It may lead to immune suppression, creating an “open window” for illness.

Which catecholamines are released in response to exercise, and what is their effect?

Epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which increase force production, muscle contraction rate, blood flow to muscles, and energy availability.

How do catecholamines contribute to strength and power during exercise?

They enhance central motor stimulation, increase blood pressure, and release calcium in muscles for contraction.

What type of training intensity maximizes catecholamine release?

High-intensity protocols with large muscle groups, short rest (10-60s), and high volume.

What is the result of "Adrenal Exhaustion" due to prolonged stress without recovery?

It leads to sustained cortisol release, which can impair immune function and require more recovery time.

How does heavy resistance training affect epinephrine (Epi) secretion over time?

It increases absolute Epi secretion at maximum effort and reduces it during submaximal efforts, enhancing anabolic hormone effects.

What does an acute hormonal response after resistance training indicate?

It reflects the amount of physiological stress, the metabolic demands, and the type of physiological stress experienced.

Which hormones are primarily associated with muscle tissue growth?

Growth Hormone (GH) and IGF-1, with cortisol playing a catabolic role in contrast.

Which hormone has the greatest influence on neural adaptations to resistance training?

Testosterone.