To examine correlative associations between salivary free testosterone (T) and cortisol (C) concentrations and training motivation in elite male athletes. Design Single group, longitudinal design with repeated measures. Methods Participants (n=15) completed a 5-week progressive resistance training programme. Across 2 weekly workouts, pre and post measures of salivary free T and C concentrations were taken along with voluntary chosen workload, as a proxy for training motivation. Strength and body mass were assessed pre and post training. Results Individual changes in pre-workout free T concentrations correlated strongly to voluntary workloads (pooled r=0.81, p<0.001). Pre-workout free C concentrations was weakly correlated to voluntary workload (pooled r=0.35). Pre-workout hormones (r=0.57-0.89) and the strength gains were also related. Conclusions The salivary free T concentrations of male athletes presented before training were strongly associated with subsequent voluntary workloads, indicating a potential link to training motivation.
© Copyright 2013 Psychology of Sport and Exercise. Elsevier. All rights reserved.