As for the behavioral changes seen in users of AAS, Dr. Karch notes that while AAS may make an individual more easily provoked to an aggressive response, they [AAS] do not appear to cause indiscriminate aggression (aggressive to everyone and every- thing without reason).4He also notes that to date, the defense of ‘roid rage’ has not been successful in court.4It is impossible to determine what role AAS played in suicides, attempts or violent acts (including domestic vio- lence). However, it is clear that in peo- ple with mood disorders, anger man- agement problems, existing
psychiatric conditions or those employed in occupations that may involve confrontation, certain AAS may increase the risk of an aggressive or violent reaction. While this may be beneficial on a sporting field in some instances, it has no place in society.23-25 Again, people with any mood or psy- chiatric disorder should strongly con- sider this risk prior to any decision to use AAS.
The fourth edition of Pathology of Drug Abuse is more comprehensive with its inclusion of an AAS chapter. Unfortunately, this review demon- strates the void in understanding AAS use as practiced by healthy adult males, let alone issues relating to ado- lescents and women. Dr. Karch touched on the highlights of the issue and this chapter serves well as a start- ing point for those interested in the topic or wishing to become an
informed consumer prior to starting an AAS cycle. There are many who feel that the risks of AAS have been gross- ly overstated, exaggerated or misun- derstood.26Dr. Morgentaler, affiliated with Harvard Medical School, has pub- lished several reviews demonstrating that the relationship between testos- terone and developing prostate cancer is incorrect.27Other researchers have reported that low testosterone is
testosterone
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associated with earlier death, meta- bolic disease, etc.28,29
These messages should not instill a false sense of security in users of AAS, as physiologic testosterone is different from AAS use and supra- physiologic doses carry a much greater risk of side effects (known and unknown) compared to physiologic concentrations. The scare tactics, lack of research funding and social stig- mataplaced against the study of AAS have hindered the expansion of scien- tific knowledge and placed legitimate and illicit users in harm’s way.
Is there a clinical role for using AAS? Only if the powers-that-be will recognize that people wish to main-
tain peak health, not just the absence of disease. Are all AAS the same? Absolutely not, as demonstrated by the altered risk profile associated with oral AAS. Should illicit users be con- cerned? At all times. Modern-day AAS are often sourced from unlicensed labs and do not carry the same quali- ty and purity assurances. Further, the escalation in dose and practice of polypharmacy almost ensure the onset of adverse effects. Most hope these are temporary and benign (acne, water retention, etc.) but the risks associated with AAS can be seri- ous, permanent and even fatal.
Undoubtedly, the illicit use of AAS will continue. The purpose of this
article is to encourage current and potential users to educate them- selves as fully as possible so that any decision made regarding using AAS is done so with the fullest pos- sible understanding of the risks involved. If one does decide to use AAS, perhaps the information includ- ed may promote greater moderation and avoidance of the more harmful agents (oral AAS). Despite its length, this article only touches upon the subject and does not offer medical advice. Those with significant per- sonal or family health histories must discuss this with their personal physician. ■
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By Robbie Durand, MA
bodybuilding
science
M
ike Mentzer was correct in saying there is anexact science to training. In the January 2009 issue of Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, it was reported that you can take two identi- cal workouts and train with the exact same total work performed, yet have different gains. It has been my experience that many bodybuilders can learn how to get better results by periodizing their workouts.
Periodization is simply the organization and planning of training. In sport, this planning is usually based upon achieving maximum physical abilities (strength, speed, power, etc.) for a given competition or period of compe- titions. For a more in-depth look at how changing your training routine can make a difference, please visit my interview with Eric Broser of MD’s ‘No Juice
Bodybuilding’ on the new MD AUDIO ONLINE Page: www.musculardevelopment.com/content/ blogcatego- ry/115/181/.
Among the periodization models, there is the classical linear periodization (LP), which divides a strength-train- ing program into different periods or cycles: macrocycles (9-12 months), mesocycles (3-4 months) and microcycles (1-4 weeks), gradually increasing the training intensity while decreasing the training volume within and between cycles.1Reverse linear periodization (RLP) follows the modification in intensity and volume, however, in reverse order, as compared with LP— increasing volume and reducing intensity.2So basically, reverse linear peri- odization starts with a higher weight poundage and then gradually reduces the weights as the weeks go on, whereas a linear system starts out with lighter weight and then gradually increases the weight poundage.
The researchers from Brazil devised a really interest- ing training routine, to compare the effects of linear ver- sus reverse linear training systems on strength and mus- cle. Another important variable considered was that for both training groups, the intensity and the volume were equated. In linear periodization, training intensity (load, or weight) is increased each microcycle (1-4 weeks) and the volume (amount, or number of repetitions) is
decreased. The researchers varied the training to range between a 4-rep maximum and a 14-rep maximum.
• One group started off with higher reps and a lighter weight and gradually increased the weight, while decreasing the reps— gradually increasing the training intensity while decreasing the training volume within and between cycles.
• One group used a heavier weight with less reps— increasing volume and reducing intensity.