The Claim
In young men, six weeks of sprint training performed three times per week significantly reduces the growth hormone (hGH) response to a bout of sprint exercise, with the peak post-exercise hGH concentration decreasing by over 40% and the total (integrated) hGH response decreasing by 55%, despite an improvement in sprint performance of 5–6% over the same period.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
In young men, doing short, very fast runs three times a week for six weeks makes the body release much less growth hormone during those runs—less than half of what it used to. At the same time, they actually get a little bit faster at running.
See the scientific wording
In young men, six weeks of sprint training performed three times per week significantly blunts the growth hormone response to sprint exercise, with peak post-exercise hGH decreasing by over 40% and the integrated hGH response falling by 55%, even though sprint performance improves by 5-6% over the same period.
When you sprint fast, your muscles make a chemical called ammonia. The ammonia tells your brain to release growth hormone. If you train by sprinting three times a week for six weeks, your muscles get better at clearing ammonia, so there is less ammonia after a sprint. With less ammonia, your brain releases less growth hormone after sprints.
What the research says
1 studyStudy: Effect of 6 weeks of sprint training on growth hormone responses to sprinting
The study showed that after doing short, all-out cycling sprints three times a week for six weeks, the body's growth hormone response after sprinting was much lower (over 40% less peak and 55% less overall), even though the sprinters got faster.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.