Effects of morning exercise training in fasted vs carbohydrate intake on serum levels of cortisol, testosterone and some cardiovascular risk factors

There are not any detailed knowledge of the effectiveness of morning fasting exercise training on stress and growth hormone levels and the cardiovascular health of young soldiers. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of morning exercise training in fasted vs carbohydrate intake on serum levels of cortisol, testosterone and cardiovascular risk factors.

 In a quasi-experimental field study, twenty-four soldiers with moderate to low level of fitness(vo2max<44) were selected from all 18 to 24-year-old soldiers in barracks. Participant were randomly divided into two groups: cryohydrate supplement (n = 12) and placebo (n = 12). The supplement group consumed 6% sucrose solution before starting morning exercises. The morning exercise program consisted of 60 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for 6 weeks (4 sessions per week). Before and 48 hours after the last training session, blood samples were collected and other evaluations were measured. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA with a significance level of p <0.05.

 The use of 6% sucrose supplement had a significant effect on cortisol level (p =0.01) and testosterone to cortisol ratio (p =0.028) and waist circumference (p =0.001) in the experimental group compared to the control group. But it had no significant effect on testosterone level and cardiovascular indices (p <0.05).

 Morning exercise training combined with a carbohydrate supplementation compared to fasting can play an important role in the health of young men by lowering cortisol and abdominal obesity, as well as establishing an  anabolic and catabolic balance.