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Training volume, androgen use and serum creatine kinase activity
1Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyväskylä, Finland.
British Journal of Sports Medicine
|September 1, 1989
Summary
Elite male athletes using androgenic steroids showed the highest increase in serum creatine kinase (CK) levels after strength training. This suggests anabolic steroid use amplifies training-induced muscle damage markers.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Biochemistry
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Serum creatine kinase (CK) is a biomarker for muscle damage.
- Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are performance-enhancing drugs used in strength sports.
- The impact of AAS on training-induced muscle damage markers requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of strength training, with and without high-dose synthetic androgens, on serum CK activities in elite male athletes.
- To compare CK responses between different training volumes and androgen supplementation.
Main Methods:
- Serum CK levels were measured in 20 elite male strength athletes.
- Athletes were divided into subgroups based on training regimen (normal, high volume) and androgen use.
- One subgroup of five athletes underwent strength training with high-dose synthetic androgens.
Main Results:
- The highest increase in serum CK activities was observed in the subgroup of athletes using androgens.
- Strength training with androgenic steroids resulted in significantly higher serum CK levels compared to normal strength training.
Conclusions:
- Strength training combined with high-dose androgenic steroid use leads to elevated serum CK activities.
- Androgenic steroid supplementation appears to potentiate exercise-induced muscle damage or alter CK release/clearance mechanisms.