All bulk, no bite

New study says HGH serves to enlarge muscular size but not strength | Mark Bergin

Iris Millikan

The risk of embarrassment, shame, and penalty for professional athletes secretly using human growth hormone (HGH) may be for nothing. A new study from researchers at Stanford University and Santa Clara Valley Medical Center found that HGH serves to enlarge muscular size but not strength.

The analysis, which relied on data from 44 previous studies, determined that healthy people from age 13 to 45 who took HGH gained about 5 pounds but showed no marked increase in biceps or quadriceps strength. They were also more likely to develop joint pain, lose endurance, and maintain higher levels of lactate, which fatigues muscles.

The added bulk in HGH users, the study found, resulted largely from muscles retaining more fluids—a potential benefit for body builders or fitness models but of no consequence to ballplayers or cyclists. Lead researcher Hau Lui admits that the results are far from conclusive on whether the banned substance could help in hitting home runs or conquering a mountain stage. The study did not examine the effects of HGH when used in concert with anabolic steroids, a tandem some scientists believe to significantly enhance athletic performance.