POSITIVE EFFECTS OF GROWTH HORMONE SHOULD BE INTERPRETED CAUTIOUSLY

Graham, M. R., Baker, J. S., Evans, P., Kicman, A., Cowan, D., Hullin, D., Thomas, N. & Davies, B. (2008). Physical effects of short-term recombinant human growth hormone administration in abstinent steroid dependency. Hormone Research, 69, 343-354.

red line

Six days' recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) administration, in abstinent (at least 12 weeks) anabolic-androgenic steroid dependent males, was compared with controls on a number of factors. A control group (N = 24) and an rhGH-using group (0.058 IU/kg/day; N = 24). Physiological measurements included anthropometry, strength, power, and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). Biochemical measurements included haemoglobin, packed cell volume, glucose, sodium, potassium, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, thyroid function, testosterone, prolactin, cortisol, growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I).

Strength, peak power output, and IGF-I significantly increased and total protein, albumin, and free tetra-iodothyronine significantly decreased compared to controls and within the growth hormone group. Fat-free mass index and VO2peak significantly increased, while body fat and thyroid-stimulating hormone significantly decreased within the growth hormone.

Implication. Short-term recombinant human growth hormone supplementation increased strength and power.

[This study and its discussion includes a number of dubious inferences and assumptions. Only some of those concerning the study's experimental design, strength, and power will be considered along with the general statements regarding the import of what the study showed.

Return to Table of Contents for this issue.

red line