Anabolics and their effect on

Exercise performance
Presented to
Dr . Osama Khaled PT PhD

Exercise physiology PT5

Definition

Anabolic steroids, often referred to as anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), are

synthetic versions of testosterone, the male hormone, created to stimulate
muscle growth and improve athletic performance. Although these steroids
have valid medical applications for conditions such as muscle wasting and
hormonal imbalances, their use outside of a medical context, especially in
sports, poses considerable health risks.
Athletes, bodybuilders, and fitness enthusiasts frequently misuse these

substances to enhance muscle size and accelerate recovery from

rigorous exercise. However, such misuse can lead to serious health

issues, including heart problems, liver damage, psychological effects

like mood fluctuations and depression, and hormonal imbalances that

can result in infertility and unwanted breast development in men. While

anabolic steroids generally do not cause a euphoric effect, users may

develop a dependency and face withdrawal symptoms, including

depression, when discontinuing their use.

The difference between Anabolic and Catabolic

Anabolic processes Catabolic processes

involve the building up of break down complex molecules
complex molecules from simpler into simpler forms, releasing
ones, typically using energy. energy. These reactions provide
These processes are key to the fuel needed for cellular
growth, repair, and muscle activity, such as breaking down
building. For example, anabolic glucose during exercise
reactions include synthesizing
proteins from amino acids.
Differences in Exercise
Anabolic Exercise: This includes
short-duration, high-intensity
activities like weightlifting, sprinting,
and High-Intensity Interval Training
(HIIT). These exercises stimulate
muscle repair and growth by
creating micro-tears in muscle
fibers, which are rebuilt during
recovery using energy and
nutrients.
Differences in Exercise
Catabolic Exercise: Aerobic or
endurance activities such as
running, swimming, and cycling
fall into this category. They
involve sustained effort, breaking
down glycogen and fat to provide
energy during the activity.
Differences in Exercise

The combination of anabolic and

catabolic exercises is often
recommended for balanced fitness,
as anabolic workouts build muscle
while catabolic exercises improve
cardiovascular health and burn fat .
Effect of anabolic on exercise

Increased Muscle Mass: Anabolic steroids promote protein synthesis,

leading to increased muscle size and strength.

Enhanced Recovery:They can reduce recovery time after intense workouts,

allowing for more frequent training sessions.
Effect of anabolic on exercise

Improved Endurance : Some anabolic agents can enhance endurance by

increasing red blood cell production, which improves oxygen delivery to
muscles.

Fat Loss : Anabolic steroids can help in reducing body fat while preserving
lean muscle mass, contributing to a more defined physique.
Effect of anabolic on exercise

Psychological Effects :Users may experience increased aggression and

motivation, which can enhance performance during training.

Potential Side Effects : Long-term use can lead to serious health risks,
including cardiovascular issues, liver damage, hormonal imbalances, and
psychological effects like aggression and mood swings.
Effect of anabolic on exercise

Legal and Ethical Considerations :The use of anabolic steroids is banned in

most competitive sports, and their non-medical use is illegal in many
jurisdictions.
 Contraindications

Anabolic steroids are prohibited for certain groups of

people due to health risks, ethical concerns, and legal
regulations. Those typically prohibited from using anabolic
steroids include:

1. Athletes : Many sports organizations, including the International Olympic

Committee and various professional sports leagues, ban the use of
anabolic steroids to ensure fair competition and to protect athletes’
health.
Contraindications

2. Minors : Individuals 3. Individuals with certain

under the age of 18 are medical conditions:
generally advised People with specific
against using anabolic health issues, such as
steroids due to the heart disease, liver

potential for serious disease, or hormone-

side effects and the related disorders, may be

impact on developing advised against steroid

use due to the associated
bodies.
risks.
Contraindications

4. Pregnant or 5. Individuals using

breastfeeding women: certain medications :
The use of anabolic Those taking medications
steroids can harm fetal that could interact
development or affect negatively with anabolic

nursing infants. steroids may be

prohibited from using
them.
 Side effect
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic derivatives of testosterone
widely used to enhance muscle mass, strength, and athletic performance.
However, their misuse poses significant health risks, including contraindications
and side effects that impact exercise performance.

1. Cardiovascular Risks: Prolonged use can lead to cardiomyopathy,

arrhythmias, hypertension, and atherosclerosis, which impair physical
endurance and increase the risk of life-threatening events during
exercise .
Side effect

2. Musculoskeletal Effects: While AAS may temporarily enhance muscle strength,

they can weaken tendons and increase the risk of ruptures. Additionally, in
adolescents, premature epiphyseal closure may stunt growth .

3. Reproductive and Hormonal Issues: AAS suppress natural testosterone

production, causing hypogonadism and infertility in males. Women may experience
virilization and menstrual irregularities, some of which are irreversible .
Side effect

4. Psychological Effects: Abuse is linked to mood swings, aggression, and

dependency, which can hinder consistent training and recovery .

5. Immune and Kidney Function: High doses can suppress immune function and
harm kidney structures, especially under dehydrated or high-stress conditions
during exercise .
Examples of Anabolics and Their Effects on Exercise Performance

[Link] [Link] [Link] Growth Hormone

• Effect: Enhances muscle • Effect: Promotes muscle

mass, strength, and • Effect: Increases fat growth, accelerates
recovery by increasing metabolism and lean recovery, and reduces
protein synthesis. muscle development. body fat.

• Risks: Hormonal • Risks: Heart palpitations, • Risks: Joint pain, insulin

imbalances, cardiovascular muscle cramps, and high resistance, and abnormal
disease, and liver damage. blood pressure. tissue growth.
Examples of some exercises that athletes can do
after taking Anabolic

1. Strength Training:

- squats: To build thigh and glute muscles.

- Deadlifts: To strengthen the lower back and legs.

- Pull-Ups: To strengthen back and arm muscles.

- Shoulder Press: To strengthen the shoulders.

Examples of some exercises that athletes can do
after taking Anabolic

2. Weight Training:

- Dumbbell Training:Such as bicep curls and tricep extensions.

- Bench Press: To strengthen chest muscles.

Examples of some exercises that athletes can do
after taking Anabolic

3. Endurance Training:

- Running: To improve cardiovascular fitness and endurance.

- cycling :To enhance endurance and overall fitness.

Examples of some exercises that athletes can do
after taking Anabolic

4. Functional Strength Training:

- Full-Body Workouts: Such as kettlebell exercises and CrossFit.

- Jump Squats: To increase strength and endurance.

Examples of some exercises that athletes can do
after taking Anabolic

5. Flexibility Training:

- Stretching: To improve flexibility and recovery.

These exercises help athletes maximize the effects of steroids,

leading to improved performance, increased strength, and
overall fitness.
Signs and effect of Anabolic Steroid in Women
There are significant negative physical and psychologic effects of anabolic

steroid use. Anabolic steroid use in women can cause significant changes .

such as :

Acne

Hirsutism

Deepening of the voice

Male pattern balding

Breast atrophy
Signs and effect of Anabolic Steroid in Women
There are significant negative physical and psychologic effects of anabolic

steroid use. Anabolic steroid use in women can cause significant changes .

such as :
Irregular menstrual cycles

Infertility

Significant muscle growth

Depression

Mood instability.

Biomechanics changes (tendon injuries)

Thank you
Students Names :
Aryam Mohammed Al-sharif 4455559

Aram khalid 4450863

Amaal Menwer Alharbi 4456150

Horya Salah Al-motabaqani 4454414

Reham hlil 4456942

Remas Sameer Abdulshakour 4453458

Maha shalah Al-harbi 4454110

Wasan Fares Al-Oufie 4456308

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