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Impact of GH substitution on exercise capacity and muscle strength in GH‐deficient adults: a meta‐analysis of blinded, placebo‐controlled trials
Author(s) -
Rubeck K. Z.,
Bertelsen S.,
Vestergaard P.,
Jørgensen J. O. L.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
clinical endocrinology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.055
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1365-2265
pISSN - 0300-0664
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2009.03592.x
Subject(s) - placebo , medicine , aerobic capacity , aerobic exercise , treadmill , endocrinology , vo2 max , randomized controlled trial , muscle strength , physical therapy , heart rate , blood pressure , alternative medicine , pathology
Summary Background Several but not all trials suggest that GH replacement in GH‐deficient adults improves aerobic exercise capacity, whereas its effect on muscle strength is more dubious. However, a denominator of these studies is a low sample size. Objective We systematically reviewed and analysed all randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials on the effects of GH administration on aerobic exercise capacity and muscle strength in GH‐deficient adults. Study selection Fifteen trials were identified from four databases. We conducted an analysis of effects on aerobic exercise capacity, performed on either a treadmill or a bicycle ergometer, muscle strength assessed by a dynamometer, and muscle mass assessed by computerized tomography. Results The total number of patients included was 306 and the duration of treatment ranged from 3 to 12 months. GH replacement significantly increased aerobic exercise capacity [8·9 ± 0·8%, ( P < 0·001)] including VO 2 max [0·17 ± 0·02 l/min ( P < 0·001)], as well as muscle volume [7·1 ± 1·6%, ( P < 0·001)]. In contrast, muscle strength measured in 113 patients was not significantly increased [3·2 ± 2·2% ( P = 0·15)]. Conclusion GH replacement in GH‐deficient adults is associated with a significant positive effect on aerobic exercise capacity and muscle mass.