Related Experiment Videos
Summary
Anabolic steroid use in athletes has mixed results on strength and oxygen consumption, with significant risks including liver damage and reduced fertility. Education is key to controlling their use.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Muscle strength gains correlate with muscle size increases, requiring enhanced amino acid conversion in athletes.
- Androgens were initially used for starvation recovery; anabolic steroids were developed to mitigate androgen side effects.
- Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) have been used by athletes since the mid-20th century.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review clinical studies on the effects of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) in adult males.
- To evaluate the impact of AAS on strength and maximum oxygen consumption.
- To assess the adverse health effects associated with AAS use.
Main Methods:
- Review of 25 clinical studies published between 1965 and 1977.
- Analysis of studies evaluating changes in strength and maximum oxygen consumption.
- Examination of reported physiological and pathological effects of AAS.
Main Results:
- 12 studies reported improvements in strength or oxygen consumption with AAS use; 13 reported no improvements.
- AAS use in healthy males was shown to reduce testosterone and gonadotrophin output, impairing spermatogenesis.
- Adverse effects included altered liver function (up to 80%), peliosis hepatitis, liver failure, and fatal liver cancer.
Conclusions:
- The efficacy of anabolic steroids for performance enhancement is inconsistent.
- Significant health risks, including severe liver damage and reproductive issues, are associated with AAS use.
- Current detection, banning, and disqualification measures are insufficient; athlete and supervisor education is crucial for control.