Does Exogenous Growth Hormone Improve Athletic Performance?

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.