Relevant articles obtained from MEDLINE (1966-1995) and SPORT DISCUSS (1975-1995) concerning anabolic-androgenic steroids and performance were reviewed. Original peer-reviewed publications (N = 16) were considered. Seven of twelve studies investigating the effects of anabolic steroid use on strength reported a significant increase between experimental and control groups. No experiments that considered endurance reported any ergogenic effects for that type of performance. Four of ten studies investigating body weight gain reported significant increases. Of studies assessing strength changes in animals, none reported any increase. Generally, the studies failed to address the components of muscle physiology that would be likely to enhance performance. Future studies should address the following components in methodology: type of contraction, contraction duration, activation, muscle length, velocity specificity, muscle tension, training specificity, and supplementation. Implication. At best, the scientific evidence of effect of anabolic-androgenic steroids on performance is equivocal. At most, it appears they do not affect endurance performance and only in some cases do they affect strength.
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