The study examined cortisol and testosterone blood levels in rowers during selected periods of an annual training cycle. Additionally, the effects of isolated physical exercise (2000 m controlled maximal time test) on blood concentrations of the hormones were assessed. The study sample consisted of 10 male members of the Polish National Rowing Team. The study was carried out in May and July at a training camp during a post-preparatory period of the rowing training macrocycle (1st trial in May, 2nd, 3rd and 4th trials in July). During the first trial, the athletes performed a controlled 2000 m test on a Concept II rowing ergometer. Blood samples were taken from the antecubital vein before the test (in the morning, after an overnight fast), one minute after completing the test, and following a 24-hour recovery period. The cortisol and testosterone concentrations were assessed in the blood serum. Additionally, creatine kinase activity was measured in plasma samples and lactate levels were determined in capillary blood samples. It was noted that fluctuations of the Anabolic/Catabolic Index (T/C) depended mainly on cortisol concentrations. The period of highest training intensity is characterized with the highest resting levels of creatinine kinase activity and the highest cortisol concentrations. Finally, the physiological, hormonal response of rowers to test and training exercises observed in this study affirms the usefulness of the T/C index in monitoring of the training process.
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