Oh, And By the Way: HGH Doesn't Really Aid Performance Anyway

While we're in the process of prosecuting Barry Bonds, suspending Jose Guillen, and speciously revealing names to the public-at-large, there's probably one important issue to get ironed out: Is HGH really athletically beneficial? For this, we go to Sabernomics, and a couple of recent scientific studies. Short answer: not so much, no:

There is no current study that has demonstrated a significant increase in workload capacity in response to human GH administration in healthy adults. The studies that have addressed the impact of GH on muscle mass and athletic performance do not show consistently favorable results. For instance, patients with acromegaly do have greater muscle volume than normal individuals, but they do not show an increase in strength or performance. No controlled study to our knowledge has shown a beneficial effect of supraphysiological doses of human GH on muscle strength in trained athletes.

That would be all well and good, and probably wouldn't matter a whole lot, if MLB wasn't using a giant pile of resources trying to develop a test and punishment structure for HGH users. Working hard to prevent further steroid use is a noble goal; working to prevent HGH use seems like a giant waste of time worsened by scientific ignorance. But hey, that's our baseball! Always three or four steps behind the curve, and self-righteous every step of the way.

(via Baseball Musings)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

12-10-2007 @ 10:16PM

Greg said...

For any idiot who hasn't figured it out, HGH is NEVER taken alone. If you had any knowledge of the drug I wouldn't have to explain that to you. It's also primarily used for muscle recovery, not to smash HR's out of the park. Anyways long story short is you don't know much PostmanE.

12-10-2007 @ 10:14PM

ED said...

I'm no Einstein nor scientist that has studied the effects of HGH or steroids, but as a person that has played years of baseball and currently playing high school baseball, my guess would be HGH and steroids are PERFOMANCE ENHANCERS. There should be no doubt about it. Here is my reasoning for that statement: HGH and steroids promote muscle growth, meaning (more muscle)=(faster swing)=(better reaction time) Anyone will tell you that reaction time is a very important part of being a succesful hitter. More muscle also means more strength. Meaning harder and longer hits producing an increase in the percentage of hits and homeruns.

12-10-2007 @ 10:15PM

Gary said...

Thank you for your post. It really bugs me that 95% of fans think that HGH is a steroid. HGH is not going to bulk anyone up. It hasn't been studied enough, but there is evidence that it can decrease visceral fat and help speed recovery from injuries. Whereas, a common steroid like nandrolone will quickly add lots of muscle when combined with workouts.

HGH is not such a big deal, but the fact remains that it is an illegal drug if purchased without a prescription. For that reason, MLB cannot allow it. If the FDA approves it for more indications in the future and it is prescribed for one of those indications, I think sports leagues should then allow it.

12-11-2007 @ 12:48AM

dave said...

If it doesn't help you in any way, then why take the damn thing? That's the dumbest excuse for steroid and HGH users..."It doesn't help you at all." What a crock. If it doesn't help, no one would be taking them.