Related Experiment Videos
Growth hormone and exercise: physiology, use and abuse
1Department of Endocrinology, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK. P.J.Jenkins@mds.qmw.ac.uk
Summary
This review explores how exercise impacts growth hormone (GH) and its effects on athletic performance. While GH abuse in sports is rising and undetectable, its performance-enhancing benefits remain unproven, with significant health risks.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Exercise significantly influences the growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor I axis.
- Physiological changes from exercise may impact training performance responses.
- Growth hormone (GH) abuse in sports is a growing concern due to its undetectability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the complex interactions between growth hormone (GH) and exercise.
- To evaluate the ergogenic effects of recombinant human GH administration in athletes.
- To highlight the increasing relevance of GH abuse side-effects for endocrinologists.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on GH and exercise.
- Analysis of evidence regarding GH's influence on training adaptations.
- Discussion of the current status and detection of GH doping.
Main Results:
- Exercise profoundly affects the GH-insulin-like growth factor I axis.
- Evidence suggests exercise-induced changes influence training responses.
- The ergogenic benefits of exogenous GH administration for athletes are not proven.
- GH abuse is increasing and currently undetectable in sports.
Conclusions:
- The ergogenic effects of GH administration in athletes are unproven.
- GH abuse in sports is on the rise, posing significant health risks.
- Endocrinologists must address the increasing prevalence and side-effects of GH doping.