Key result
Anabolic steroid use is linked to ~22% slower post-exercise heart rate recovery at one minute.
Why the study?
Previous studies showed augmented muscle sympathetic nerve activity in anabolic steroid users, but the impact on heart rate recovery after maximal exercise was unclear.
Does anabolic steroid use impair heart rate recovery after maximal exercise in males?
Cross-Sectional (n=20)
Does anabolic steroid use impair heart rate recovery after maximal exercise in males?
Anabolic steroid use in males is associated with impaired heart rate recovery and augmented sympathetic nerve activity after maximal exercise, suggesting autonomic imbalance.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Attenuated post-exercise HR recovery in AAS users may indicate autonomic dysfunction; leaves open its prognostic value and need for validation.
Previous study showed that muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) was augmented in anabolic steroids users (AASU). In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the heart rate (HR) responses after maximal exercise testing would be reduced in AASU. 10 male AASU and 10 AAS nonusers (AASNU) were studied. Cardiopulmonary exercise was performed to assess the functional capacity and heart rate recovery. MSNA was recorded directly from the peroneal nerve by microneurography technique. Peak oxygen consumption (VO₂) was lower in AASU compared to AASNU (43.66±2.24 vs. 52.70±1.68 ml/kg/min, P=0.005). HR recovery (HRR) at first and second minute was lower in AASU than AASNU (21±2 vs. 27±2 bpm, P=0.02 and 37±4 vs. 45±2 bpm, P=0.05, respectively). MSNA was higher in AASU than AASNU (29±3 vs. 20±1 bursts/min, P=0.01). Further analysis showed a correlation between HRR and MSNA (r=- 0.64, P=0.02), HRR at first minute and peak VO₂ (r=0.70, P=0.01) and HRR at second minute and peak VO₂ (r=0.62, P=0.02). The exacerbated sympathetic outflow associated with a lower parasympathetic activation after maximal exercise, which impairs heart rate recovery, strengthens the idea of autonomic imbalance in AASU.
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Santos et al. (2013) conducted a cross-sectional in Anabolic steroid use (n=20). Anabolic steroid use vs. Anabolic steroid nonusers was evaluated on Heart rate recovery at first minute (bpm) (p=0.02). Anabolic steroid use was associated with impaired heart rate recovery at the first minute post-exercise compared to nonusers (21±2 vs. 27±2 bpm, P=0.02).
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