Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Qom, C, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran
10.22091/arsnes.2025.14198.1037
Abstract
Objective: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the combined effects of resistance training and anabolic steroids on body composition and muscle function in men and women diagnosed with sarcopenia. Methods: A comprehensive systematic search of databases was conducted up to 2025, identifying 18 eligible studies (14 randomized controlled trials and 4 controlled studies) with a total of 1247 participants. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the ROB 2.0 and ROBINS-I tools. Data were synthesized using meta-analysis methods where applicable, with Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) calculated for key outcomes. Results: The combined intervention demonstrated significantly greater improvements in lean body mass (SMD: 0.82), skeletal muscle mass (SMD: 0.74), and reduction in fat mass (SMD: -0.45) compared to resistance training alone. Meaningful enhancements were also observed in muscle strength (SMD: 0.56-0.61) and physical performance (SPPB: SMD: 0.52). Men showed superior responses compared to women, and oxandrolone was identified as the most effective anabolic steroid. Adverse effects were generally mild, with elevated liver enzymes being the most frequently reported (12.3%). Conclusion: The combination of resistance training with anabolic steroids appears to be an effective therapeutic strategy for improving body composition and muscle function in patients with sarcopenia, though careful monitoring for potential adverse effects remains essential.
Hashemi Mad, R. (2025). Comparing the Efficacy of Exercise Interventions vs. Pharmacological Interventions in Improving Muscle Strength and Mass in Older Adults with Sarcopenia: A Comprehensive Review. Applied Research in Sports Nutrition and Exercise Science, 2(2), -. doi: 10.22091/arsnes.2025.14198.1037
MLA
Reza Hashemi Mad. "Comparing the Efficacy of Exercise Interventions vs. Pharmacological Interventions in Improving Muscle Strength and Mass in Older Adults with Sarcopenia: A Comprehensive Review". Applied Research in Sports Nutrition and Exercise Science, 2, 2, 2025, -. doi: 10.22091/arsnes.2025.14198.1037
HARVARD
Hashemi Mad, R. (2025). 'Comparing the Efficacy of Exercise Interventions vs. Pharmacological Interventions in Improving Muscle Strength and Mass in Older Adults with Sarcopenia: A Comprehensive Review', Applied Research in Sports Nutrition and Exercise Science, 2(2), pp. -. doi: 10.22091/arsnes.2025.14198.1037
VANCOUVER
Hashemi Mad, R. Comparing the Efficacy of Exercise Interventions vs. Pharmacological Interventions in Improving Muscle Strength and Mass in Older Adults with Sarcopenia: A Comprehensive Review. Applied Research in Sports Nutrition and Exercise Science, 2025; 2(2): -. doi: 10.22091/arsnes.2025.14198.1037
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