Rogerson, S., Weatherby, R. P., Meir, R. A., Coutts, R. A., Zhou, S, & Marshall-Gradisnik, S. M., & Deaking, G. B. (2007). The effect of short-term use of testosterone enanthate on muscular strength and power in healthy young men. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 21, 354-361.

The two objectives of this study were to establish (a) if injection of 3.5 mg/kg of testosterone enanthate once per week could increase muscular strength and cycle sprint performance in 3-6 weeks; and (b) if the WADA-imposed urinary T/E ratio of 4:1 could identify all Ss being administered 3.5 mg/kg testosterone enanthate. Sixteen healthy young men (N = 16) were match-paired and were assigned randomly in a double-blind manner to either a testosterone enanthate or a placebo group. All S performed a structured heavy resistance training program while receiving either testosterone enanthate (or saline injections once weekly for six weeks. One repetition maximum (1RM) strength measures and 10-second cycle sprint performance were monitored at week 0, week 3, and after week 6. Body mass and the urinary T/E ratio were measured at week 0 and week 6.

When compared with baseline, 1RM bench press strength and total work during the cycle sprint increased significantly at weeks 3 and 6 in the testosterone enanthate group, but not in the placebo group. Body mass at week 6 was significantly greater than at baseline in the testosterone enanthate group but not in the placebo group. Despite the clear ergogenic effects of testosterone enanthate in as little as 3 weeks, 4 of the 9 subjects in the testosterone enanthate group did not test positive to testosterone under current WADA urinary T/E ratio criteria.

Implication. Testosterone enanthate injections once per week increase strength and sprint cycling performance over six weeks. The WADA urinary test failed to recognize four of nine Ss using the substance.

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