STEROIDS IN SPORTS

Steroids In Sports

Steroids In Sports

Introduction

Anabolic androgenic steroids remain the most controversial and widely substances used to enhance athletic performance and / or physical appearance. The recent commercial availability of testosterone gel increases the likelihood that more individuals and / or athletes use these substances in the future. The ethical and legal implications of using hormones to enhance sports performance are clear, it is unethical and illegal (Yesalis, 2000). However, less clear are the medical implications surrounding the use of anabolic steroids to enhance athletic performance or appearance. More research is needed on these substances to get a better understanding of positive and negative attributes of the same. 

Rationale for the Use of Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic androgenic steroids, i.e., steroid hormones or synthetic analogues of steroid hormones that promote tissue growth and masculinization, have been used in sports to increase muscle mass and improve performance for nearly 50 years (West & Brogan, 2008). Anabolic and androgenic properties of each steroid compound are determined by their chemical structure and / or metabolites, and this activity can vary considerably. Many of the products that are sold as black market steroids contain an irresponsible amount of anabolic steroids or other than one mentioned on the label. In other words, athletes often do not know what they are using.

Effects Of Anabolic Steroids On Body Composition And Performance

Body Composition

Steroids can increase fat free mass and decrease body fat, these effects are increased by the exercise of force and are evident in clinically relevant doses. Therefore, it may be beneficial to use steroids to those who participate in sports that require a high degree of strength and skeletal muscle mass and / or a low percentage of body fat. The bodybuilders, men and women often use these substances because of its clear effect on body mass.

Performance in Exercise and Sports

Research on the effects on the performance increase of anabolic steroids began in the late 1960s and continued until the early 1980s (Monroe, 2004). About half of the first studies demonstrated a positive effect of steroids on the force when the use of the substance was combined with strength training, whereas other studies did not. Most early work, regardless of whether the findings were positive or negative, were not well controlled. So overall, these studies did not provide definitive evidence to support or refute the alleged effects of anabolic steroids to enhance performance.

By the early 1990s, several researchers began experimenting with anabolic steroids in an effort to increase muscle mass in patients with HIV (Mohun & Khan, 2008). Since 1994, several articles have documented the effects of anabolic steroids to enhance performance in athletes and healthy men. The results of these studies have generally shown positive effects of steroid use in strength, power and athletic performance. During this period, systematically administered anabolic hormones to athletes of the GDR (ibid). These substances were supplied to men and women participating in a variety of sports including athletics, swimming, gymnastics, handball, kayaking, rowing and various winter sports. The effects of these agents in the performance increase was dramatic, especially in athletics and swimming events of ...