Morning based strength training improves afternoon physical performance in rugby union players

Objectives - To determine if a morning training session could alter afternoon physical performance. Moreover, as testosterone (T) and cortisol (C) concentrations are significant predictors of physical performance, and both show circadian declines across the day, we examined the effects of morning training on diurnal T and C responses. Design - Eighteen semi-professional rugby union players completed this randomised and counterbalanced study. Methods - Following morning saliva collection (0900 h), players completed a control (rested), Sprint (5 x 40 m) or Weights (3 repetition-maximum [RM] bench press and squat) trial. In the afternoon (15:00 h) of each trial, a further saliva sample was collected before players completed a performance test (3RM back squat and bench press, 40m sprint, countermovement jump [CMJ]). Results - Salivary T concentrations declined from am to pm under Control and Sprint, but not under Weights. Delta T, from am to pm, was greater under Control (-10.9 +/- 2.4 pg ml-1) compared to Sprints (-6.2 +/- 7.1 pg m1-1) and Weights (-1.2 +/- 5.5 pg m1-1) (p <0.001). Delta C, from am to pm, was greater under Control compared to both Sprint and Weights (p