Growth hormone as an ergogenic aid to resistance training: a brief review

Many weight trainers are using GH in order to increase muscle hypertrophy and strength. The purpose of this review is to explore the effects of GH utilization in physiological and ergogenic responses to resistance training (RT). The responses will be divided in seven groups: bone mass, fat free mass (FFM), body fat, muscle strength and power, muscle hypertrophy, Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations and adverse reactions. There is evidence that RT associated with GH promotes superior gains in FFM and IGF-1 levels. However, none of the studies reviewed showed additional gains in muscle strength and hypertrophy in response to RT due to GH administration. Additionally, there is no irrefutable data to support GH use in order to increase bone changes or reduce body fat with RT. The large evidence of side effects without a significant ergogenic effect, reinforces the orientations that this hormone should not be used as an ergogenic aid