Effects of Dianabol and high-intensity sprint training on body composition of rats

Abstract

The effects on body composition and organ weights of anabolic steroid administration and of high-intensity sprint running, separately and in combination, were studied in young adult male rats. Dianabol (methandrostenolone) 1 mg/day for 8 wk had no significant effects on muscle weight or lean body mass in either the trained or the sedentary animals. The program of sprint training resulted in a lower body weight, a lesser percentage of body fat (Runners, 8.5% vs. Sedentary, 13.5%, P < 0.01) and a greater relative lean body mass (Runners, 91.5% vs. Sedentary, 86.5%, P < 0.01). Normal androgen levels in young, healthy male animals are probably sufficiently high so that the addition of a large dose of anabolic steroid does not result in stimulation of additional muscle growth. The changes in body composition induced by high-intensity, short-duration sprint training appear to be qualitatively similar to those seen with endurance exercise training.