FIGURE 4.

The effects of training on serum cortisol and testosterone in football referees. Total serum cortisol (a) and testosterone (c) concentrations were analyzed at each point‐time during the football seasons’ follow‐up. In this representation, the central box covers the middle 50% of the data values, between the upper and lower quartiles. The bars extend out to the extremes, while the central line is at the median. *p < 0.05; **p < 0.01; ***p < 0.001 by ANOVA followed by Bonferroni test between each point‐time and T0. (e) Testosterone to cortisol ratios were analyzed each point‐time during the soccer seasons follow‐up (mean ± SD). (b, d, f) Tables show the differences (Δ) in cortisol (b) testosterone (d) concentrations and testosterone to cortisol ratios (f) between each point‐time in football referees compared with control subjects. p values obtained by t‐test show differences in Δ values between each point‐time in referees compared with control subjects