Comparison theeffects of 6 weeks of resistance training and concurrent training on aerobic power and resting levels of growth hormone and cortisol in healthy children

There are few studies related to effects of exercise training, including concurrent training, on hormonal changes in children. Hence, the aim of this study was to Compare theeffects of 6 weeks of resistance training and concurrent resistance and endurance training on aerobic power (VO2peak) and resting levels of growth hormone and cortisol in healthy children. The subjects ofthis quasi-experimental study were 35 healthy boys between 9-11 years old, which were randomly divided into three groups of concurrent training (n=12), resistance training (n=11), control (n=12). Experimental groups were trained during 6 weeks; 3 times a week.Control group were performed only their routine activities. VO2peak test was taken 48 hours before and after implementation of 6-weeks protocols and samples were selected from all subjects.Measurement of resting levels of GH and cortical was performed with ELISA method. For data analysis, one way ANOVA and paired t-test were used. The results showed that VO2peak and resting levels of GH increased significantly in concurrenttraining group (p=0.001, p=0.003, respectively). Resting level of cortisol in concurrent group was significantly lower than the other groups (p<0.05) and it was reducedsignificantlyin concurrent training and resistance training groups (p=0.001, p=0.036). It seems a concurrent training period has greater benefits on VO2peak and resting levels of GH and cortical in children in comparison with resistance training.