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) 10x10 1RM] followed by loading-specific active (AR, n = 7, LP 10x10x30% 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