Baume, N., Schumacher, Y. O., Sottas, P.-E., Bagutti, C., Cauderay, M., Mangin, P., & Saugy, M. (2006). Effect of multiple oral doses of androgenic anabolic steroids on endurance performance and serum indices of physical stress in healthy male subjects. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 98(4), 329-340. [Published online: 3 August 2006.]

This study evaluated the effect of multiple doses of anabolic androgenic steroids on different physiological parameters during a hard endurance training program. Three groups were orally administered placebo (N = 9), testosterone undecanoate (N = 8), or 19-norandrostenedione (N = 8), 12 times during one month. Serum biomarkers (creatine kinase, ASAT and urea), serum hormone profiles (testosterone, cortisol and LH) and urinary catecholamines (noradrenalin, adrenalin and dopamine) were evaluated during the treatments. Running performance was assessed before and after the intervention phase by means of a standardized treadmill test.

None of the measured biochemical variables showed any significant impact of AAS on physical stress level. Data from exercise testing on submaximal and maximal level did not reveal any performance differences between the three groups or their biological marker responses.

Implication. Multiple doses of anabolic androgenic steroids do not enhance endurance performance or influence bioserum recovery markers. ["In some sports, athletes reported that the intake of AAS is associated with a better recovery, a higher training load capacity and therefore an increase in physical and mental performances." Such subjective testimonies were not supported by this study.]

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