Perception of red color is associated with higher testosterone concentration and better human performance. Thus, we evaluated the acute effects of wearing colored-lens glasses on the YoYo intermittent endurance exercise test 2 (YoYoIE2) performance indicators and testosterone concentration. Ten soccer players performed three YoYoIE2 (counterbalanced crossover) wearing colorless (control), blue- or red-lensed glasses (2-4 days of rest in between). YoYoIE2 performance did not differ among the trials (p>0.05), but blood testosterone increased post-exercise in red compared to red baseline (red=14%, effect size=0.75). Analysis showed faster heart rate recovery (p<0.05) at 1 min post-test for blue compared to red lenses. Rating of perceived exertion and blood lactate concentration did not differ (p>0.05) among the trials. Wearing red-colored lenses during high-intensity intermittent exercise increased testosterone concentration, but do not influence performance.
© Copyright 2018 Sports Medicine International Open. Thieme. All rights reserved.