Effect of regular training on the anthropometric parameters and urine steroids in childhood

The changes in the anthropometric data and urine steroid metabolites caused by regular training in children in two age groups (11 and 14 years old) were investigated. The skinfolds of older girls participating in regular athletic, swimming or soccer training were thinner compared with age-matched control groups (P < 0.01) and their body mass and constitution were lower (P < 0.05). In the other groups no significant differences were observable in the anthropometric parameters. The trained children in all groups had significantly higher exercise times on the cycle ergometer (P < 0.01, in young boysP < 0.05). The strength of their hands was lower in three trained groups: in younger boys (P < 0.05), in younger girls (P < 0.01) and in older girls (right handP < 0.01, left handP < 0.05). The urinary excretion of androsterone (P < 0.02), 11-ketopregnanetriol (P < 0.01) and pregnenetriol (P < 0.02) was decreased in the older trained girls; pregnenetriol was increased in younger boys (P < 0.05). Urinary excretion of cortisol metabolites was increased in trained boys [in younger boys: tetrahydrocorticosterone (P < 0.05) and 20-hydroxycortisol (P < 0.05); in older boys allotetrahydrocortisol (P < 0.02), cortisol (P < 0.05) and 20-hydroxycortisol (P < 0.05)]. There were no significant differences in the younger girls. In the trained older girls urinary excretion of cortisol metabolites was decreased: tetrahydrocortisone (P < 0.02), allotetrahydrocorticosterone (P < 0.01), tetrahydrocortisol (P < 0.05), -cortolone (P < 0.01), cortisol (P < 0.02), 6-hydroxycortisol (P < 0.01) and 20-hydroxycortisol (P < 0.05). A multivariate analysis of the data from the trained groups and sedentary, age-matched control groups showed that regular training has a significant effect on steroid excretion.