RESEARCH ON AFFECTS OF STEROIDS IS NOT TOO CONCLUSIVE
Doyle-Baker, P. K., Benson, B. W., & Meeuwisse, W. H. (1998). The ergogenic effects of anabolic steroids: A critical appraisal of the literature. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 30(5), Supplement abstract 1581.
Relevant articles obtained from MEDLINE (1966-1995) and SPORT DISCUSS (1975-1995) concerning anabolic-androgenic steroids and performance were reviewed.
Original peer-reviewed publications (N = 16) were considered.
Generally, the studies failed to address the components of muscle physiology that would be likely to enhance performance. Future studies should address the following components in methodology: type of contraction, contraction duration, activation, muscle length, velocity specificity, muscle tension, training specificity, and supplementation.
Implication. At best, the scientific evidence of effect of anabolic-androgenic steroids on performance is equivocal. At most, it appears they do not affect endurance performance and only in some cases do they affect strength.