Abstract
Purpose The impact of exercise training on testicular function is relatively ill-defined. To gain new insights into this important topic, published data, deriving from both humans and animal studies, were critically analyzed. Results and conclusions The effects of exercise on the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal axis, influenced by the type, intensity and duration of the exercise program, can be evaluated in terms of total and free testosterone and/or luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone serum levels and sperm parameters. High-intensity exercise promotes a common decrease in these parameters, and therefore, negatively impacts upon testicular function. However, published data for moderate-intensity exercise training are inconsistent. Conversely, there is consistent evidence to support the benefits of exercise training to prevent and/or counteract the impairment of testis function caused by aging, obesity and doxorubicin treatment. This positive effect is likely the consequence of decreased oxidative stress and inflammatory status. In the future, it will be important to clarify the molecular mechanisms which explain these reported discrepancies and to establish guidelines for an active lifestyle to promote healthy testicular function.Citation
Matos., B. Howl, J., Fardilha, M. (2018) 'Exploring the effect of exercise training on testicular function, European Journal of Applied Physiology', 119 (1) pp. 1-8 doi: 10.1007/s00421-018-3989-6Publisher
SpringerJournal
European Journal of Applied PhysiologyAdditional Links
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00421-018-3989-6Type
Journal articleLanguage
enISSN
1439-6319ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1007/s00421-018-3989-6
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