Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/31842
Title: A longitudinal analysis of salivary testosterone concentrations and competitiveness in elite and non-elite women athletes
Contributor(s): Crewther, Blair T (author); Cook, Christian J  (author)orcid 
Publication Date: 2018-05-01
Early Online Version: 2018-02-06
DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.02.012
Handle Link: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/31842
Abstract: 

Background: There is evidence linking women's testosterone (T) to competitive behaviours in sport and exercise. To advance this work, we examined the longitudinal relationships between salivary T (sal-T) and competitiveness in athletic women who differ in training status.

Methods: Elite (n=9) and non-elite (n=21) women athletes were monitored on days 6–8 (follicular phase), 13–15 (ovulatory phase) and 20–22 (Luteal phase) of a menstrual cycle with two repeats. Salivary T levels were assessed before breakfast, followed by two questions (each rated on a 1–7 scale) on competitive desire and training motivation. Using a linear mixed model, we evaluated the menstrual phase and training status effects on each variable, before assessing the within-subject effects of sal-T on competitiveness.

Results: Salivary T concentrations were higher at ovulation (effect size [ES] difference=0.2–1.4), relative to the follicular and luteal phases, with a more marked response among elite women (p < .01). The competitiveness ratings showed similar menstrual-phase variation (ES difference=0.6–1.0 at ovulation). A positive effect of sal-T on competitiveness emerged in both groups (p < .001), but with different slope patterns (p < .015). Specifically, the elite sal-T relationships with desire to compete (standardized β=1.147, SE=0.132) and training motivation (β=1.195, SE=0.124) were stronger compared with non-elite women (β=0.631, SE=0.114; β=0.778, SE=0.114), respectively.

Conclusions: Morning sal-T concentrations, competitive desire and training motivation all peaked around ovulation in women athletes. Notably, sal-T availability and its relationship with competitiveness was stronger among high-performing athletes. Our findings confirm menstrual fluctuations in T and competitiveness among naturally-cycling women, with population context as a moderating factor.

Publication Type: Journal Article
Source of Publication: Physiology & Behavior, v.188, p. 157-161
Publisher: Elsevier Inc
Place of Publication: United States of America
ISSN: 1873-507X
0031-9384
Fields of Research (FoR) 2020: 320903 Central nervous system
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020: 200409 Mental health
Peer Reviewed: Yes
HERDC Category Description: C1 Refereed Article in a Scholarly Journal
Appears in Collections:Journal Article
School of Science and Technology

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