Strength training (S.T.) is a training model used by the Chinese swimming team. Under the condition of S.T., there may be an interrelationship between changes in the androgenic responses and some psychological characteristics of the athletes. The aim of this study was to investigate these relationships through evaluation of the relative change in total testosterone (TT) levels and some psychological abilities in young swimmers after S.T. Before and after 10 weeks S.T., Resting serum TT was measured by radioimmunoassay before and after 10 weeks of S.T in 11 male swimmers whose mean age was 17 years. Two methods to evaluate sports psychological characteristics were used before and after the S.T. In one group sports cognitive abilities were measured with tests which included synthetical reaction (SR), motion sense time estimation ability (MST), spatial direction judgement ability (SDJ), time & space judgement ability (TSJ), visual memory (VM) and operation thinking (OT). In the second which was directed towards mental energy testing, tests included achievement motive testing (AMT), and self-confidence testing (SCT). After 10 weeks of training, mean serum TT increased significantly (14.92%), from 389.05±124.62 to 446.11±128.47ng/dl, (p<0.05). Psychological abilities also showed significant changes. Sports cognitive abilities increased significantly, particularly OT, VM and TSJ which showed significant (p<0.01) increases of 39.27%, 33.41%, and 40.82% respectively. The other four measures of sports cognitive abilities (SRT,SR, MST,SDJ) were significantly enhanced (P< 0.05 ) after S.T. Measures of metal energy were also altered with the achievement motivation level of young swimmers being higher (40.92%) after S.T. than before. SCT indicated that self-encouragement levels of participants was also improved. Although physical function had decreased and fatigue had appeared in S.T., most players felt vigour and remained energetic. There was a close relationship between serum TT and the mean score of psychological testing( r =0.637,P<0.01). According to general opinion, psychological functions in sport should decrease in response to the body fatigue which occurs with intensive training. In contrast, the results of this study indicated that sports cognitive abilities and mental energy increased following strength training. The test results showed that sports cognitive psychological abilities and mental energy increased significantly together with a raised androgenic response. It is suggested that male hormone responses may activate and maintain potential psychological energy. It is possible therefore that a certain level of male hormone is an important physical foundation for maintenance of good cognitive psychological function and mental energy. It is important to consider the interrelationship of physiology and psychology in long term and intensive training.
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