Does Exogenous Growth Hormone Improve Athletic Performance?

Abstract

Objective 

To conduct a critical appraisal of the literature to address the question of whether human growth hormone (HGH) improves performance in trained athletes.

Data Sources 

Used PubMed using the search terms of “growth hormone athletes” and the reference lists of previous reviews of the subject.

Study Selection 

Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study of exogenous HGH on muscle power in trained athletes. Only one study matched the search criteria.

Conclusion 

There is no evidence of increased muscle strength with HGH in trained athletes.