Comparison of The Effect of Two Modes Small Sided Games on The Cortisol and Testosterone levels in Soccer players

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of two modes of small sided games on the cortisol and testosterone levels in soccer players. In this semi-experimental study, 24 soccer players aged 15 to 18 years were selected and randomly divided into three groups included; control, 2 vs. 2 and 4 vs. 4 (n=8). Subjects of 2 vs.2 group performed eight two-minute activities with a one-minute rest on a 20-25m field without a goalkeeper. Subjects of 4 vs.4 group performed four four-minute activities on a 28-35m field without a goalkeeper with two-minute rest after every four minutes. Plasma levels of interleukin-15 and blood neutrophil counts were measured. Data were analyzed by t-test, One-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test at the P <0.05. Cortisol and testosterone levels were significantly increased in post-training 2 vs 2 and 4 vs 4 in the small sided games compared to pre-exercise (p=0.001). testosterone levels were significantly higher in 2 vs 2 group than the 4 vs 4 group (p=0.031). Also, there was no significant difference between the two experimental groups in the ratio of testosterone to cortisol (P=0.999).It seems that playing in smaller sided and fewer players leads to an increase in the catabolic hormone environment during the recovery period.