The Use of Anabolic Steroids in Athletics

Abstract

In recent years, the use of anabolic steroids has increased dramatically among athletes in a variety of sports. These athletes believe strongly that taking anabolic steroids enhances their performance. However, research in this area shows mixed results. No animal studies, using a variety of training and performance protocols, have shown that anabolic steroid administration modifies performance in a positive way. Studies on human males reveal inconsistent results. Most studies on human males have found an increased performance, usually a measure of strength, associated with anabolic steroid administration and training above that of training alone. Factors affecting the results of some of the human studies are the absence of proper control groups and “side effects” created by the drugs which tend to obviate the establishment of adequate controls by signifying the presence of the drug to the subject.