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Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Conducting Maximal and Submaximal Endurance Exercise Testing to Measure Physiological and Biological Responses to Acute Exercise in Humans
Published on: October 17, 2018
Acute cardiovascular response in anabolic androgenic steroid users performing maximal treadmill exercise testing
Alex S Maior1, Roberto Simão, Belmiro Freitas de Salles
1Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho (IBCCF/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) use impairs cardiovascular response during exercise, leading to exaggerated hemodynamic responses and reduced VO2max. This study advises against AAS use, particularly for individuals with cardiovascular risks.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Exercise Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are performance-enhancing drugs with known cardiovascular risks.
- Limited research exists on the specific hemodynamic and metabolic responses to exercise in AAS users.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cardiovascular effects of AAS use during maximal exercise.
- To compare hemodynamic responses between AAS users (U-AAS) and non-AAS users (N-AAS).
Main Methods:
- Twenty-four healthy men (12 U-AAS, 12 N-AAS) with regular exercise habits participated.
- Subjects underwent maximal treadmill exercise testing with hemodynamic and metabolic monitoring.
- Ramp-protocol exercise test to volitional fatigue was employed.
Main Results:
- Chronic high-dose AAS use (355.4+/-59.47 mg/wk) resulted in impaired hemodynamic and metabolic responses during exercise.
- AAS users exhibited chronotropic incompetence and exaggerated hemodynamic responses.
- Non-AAS users demonstrated greater increases in VO2max compared to AAS users.
Conclusions:
- AAS use leads to significant cardiovascular and metabolic impairments during maximal exercise.
- Findings suggest a contraindication for AAS use, especially in at-risk populations.
- AAS users show reduced exercise capacity (VO2max) compared to non-users.
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