Strength In Resistance Trained Men Research Articles

The Effect of Oral Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) Supplementation on Anaerobic Exercise in Healthy Resistance-Trained Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is an energy and signaling molecule. It is synthesized endogenously and can be taken as an oral supplement. This review aimed to identify the effects of oral ATP supplementation on anaerobic exercise in healthy resistance-trained adults. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed based on the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) criteria. The inclusion criteria were articles published from 2000 to 2022, with anaerobic variables (maximal strength, maximum repetitions, and maximum anaerobic power) measurable in healthy adults with experience in resistance training, only randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials (RCTs), and with the acute (a single dose 30 min to 24 h before the tests) and/or chronic (>1 day) oral supplementation of ATP. A total of five RCTs with 121 adult men were included. The oral ATP supplementation achieved significantly greater gains in maximal strength compared with the placebo (PL) (MD = 8.13 kg, 95%CI [3.36-12.90], p < 0.001). Still, no differences were observed in the maximum number of repetitions or the maximum anaerobic power. Furthermore, 400 mg of ATP showed improvement in anaerobic exercise regardless of the duration of the supplementation protocol. In conclusion, supplementation with 400 mg of ATP doses can improve maximal muscle strength in resistance-trained men.

Acute Effects of Intermittent Foot Cooling on 1 RM Leg Press Strength in Resistance-Trained Men: A Pilot Study.

Inter-set peripheral cooling can improve high-intensity resistance exercise performance. However, whether foot cooling (FC) would increase 1 repetition maximum (RM) lower-limb strength is unclear. This study investigated the effect of intermittent FC on 1 RM leg press strength. Ten recreational male lifters performed three attempts of 1 RM leg press with FC or non-cooling (NC) in a repeated-measures crossover design separated by 5 days. FC was applied by foot immersion in 10 °C water for 2.5 min before each attempt. During the 1 RM test, various physiological measures were recorded. The results showed that FC elicited higher 1 RM leg press strength (Δ [95% CI]; Cohen’s d effect size [ES]; 13.6 [7.6–19.5] kg; ES = 1.631) and electromyography values in vastus lateralis (57.7 [8.1–107.4] μV; ES = 0.831) and gastrocnemius (15.1 [−3.1–33.2] μV; ES = 0.593) than in NC. Higher arousal levels (felt arousal scale) were found in FC (0.6 [0.1–1.2]; ES = 0.457) than in NC. In conclusion, the preliminary findings, although limited, suggest intermittent FC has a potential ergogenic role for recreational athletes to enhance maximal lower-limb strength and may partly benefit strength-based competition events.

Creatine Enhances the Effects of Cluster-Set Resistance Training on Lower-Limb Body Composition and Strength in Resistance-Trained Men: A Pilot Study.

Creatine monohydrate (CrM) supplementation has been shown to improve body composition and muscle strength when combined with resistance training (RT); however, no study has evaluated the combination of this nutritional strategy with cluster-set resistance training (CS-RT). The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of CrM supplementation during a high-protein diet and a CS-RT program on lower-limb fat-free mass (LL-FFM) and muscular strength. Twenty-three resistance-trained men (>2 years of training experience, 26.6 ± 8.1 years, 176.3 ± 6.8 cm, 75.6 ± 8.9 kg) participated in this study. Subjects were randomly allocated to a CS-RT+CrM (n = 8), a CS-RT (n = 8), or a control group (n = 7). The CS-RT+CrM group followed a CrM supplementation protocol with 0.1 g·kg−1·day−1 over eight weeks. Two sessions per week of lower-limb CS-RT were performed. LL-FFM corrected for fat-free adipose tissue (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) and muscle strength (back squat 1 repetition maximum (SQ-1RM) and countermovement jump (CMJ)) were measured pre- and post-intervention. Significant improvements were found in whole-body fat mass, fat percentage, LL-fat mass, LL-FFM, and SQ-1RM in the CS-RT+CrM and CS-RT groups; however, larger effect sizes were obtained in the CS-RT+CrM group regarding whole body FFM (0.64 versus 0.16), lower-limb FFM (0.62 versus 0.18), and SQ-1RM (1.23 versus 0.75) when compared to the CS-RT group. CMJ showed a significant improvement in the CS-RT+CrM group with no significant changes in CS-RT or control groups. No significant differences were found between groups. Eight weeks of CrM supplementation plus a high-protein diet during a CS-RT program has a higher clinical meaningfulness on lower-limb body composition and strength-related variables in trained males than CS-RT alone. Further research might study the potential health and therapeutic effects of this nutrition and exercise strategy.

Does Varying Repetition Tempo in a Single-Joint Lower Body Exercise Augment Muscle Size and Strength in Resistance-Trained Men?

Pearson, J, Wadhi, T, Barakat, C, Aube, D, Schoenfeld, BJ, Andersen, JC, Barroso, R, Ugrinowitsch, C, and De Souza, EO. Does varying repetition tempo in a single-joint lower body exercise augment muscle size and strength in resistance-trained men? J Strength Cond Res 36(8): 2162-2168, 2022-This study compared the effects of FAST and SLOW eccentric repetition tempo in a single exercise volume-matched intervention on muscle thickness (MT) and strength in resistance-trained men. Using a within-subject design, 13 subjects had each leg randomly assigned to SLOW (1-0-3) or FAST (1-0-1) repetition tempo. Subjects underwent an 8-week strength-training (ST) intervention performed twice weekly. Unilateral leg-extension one repetition-maximum (1RM) and anterior thigh MT at the proximal (MTP) and distal (MTD) portions were assessed via ultrasound imaging at baseline and after 8 weeks of RT. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) assessments of the training sessions (i.e., 16 per leg) were averaged for further analysis. Both legs similarly increased MTP (estimated differences: FAST: 0.24 cm, 3.6%; SLOW: 0.20 cm, 3.1%). However, for MTD, analysis of covariance analysis showed a leg effect ( p = 0.02) in which absolute pre-to-post change was greater in FAST compared with SLOW (estimated differences: FAST 0.23 cm, 5.5%; SLOW: 0.13 cm, 2.2%). For 1RM, both legs similarly increased maximum strength (estimated differences: FAST: 9.1 kg, 17.0%; SLOW: 10.4 kg, 22.1%, p ≤ 0.0001). The SLOW group had a higher RPE than FAST (8.59 vs. 7.98, p = 0.002). Despite differences in RPE, our results indicate that both repetition tempos produced similar muscular adaptations. However, they also suggest that the FAST tempo may provide a small hypertrophic advantage at the distal quadriceps. From a practical standpoint, strength and conditioning professionals may implement a FAST tempo at least in one single-joint exercise during an 8-week training period to enhance regional hypertrophic adaptations in trained individuals.

Leucine metabolites do not induce changes in phase angle, bioimpedance vector analysis patterns, and strength in resistance trained men.

We aimed to assess the effects of off-the-shelf leucine metabolite supplements on phase angle (PhA), bioimpedance vector analysis (BIVA) patterns and strength during an 8-week resistance training protocol. Fifty-three male participants were allocated into 4 groups: α-hydroxyisocaproic acid (n = 12, age = 30.9 ± 9.3 years), β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate free acid (n = 12, age = 31.0 ± 9.3 years), calcium β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (n = 15, age = 32.1 ± 5.2 years) or placebo (n = 14, age = 28.9 ± 6.6 years). Bioimpedance parameters and 1-repetition maximum (1RM) for back squat and bench press were assessed at baseline and at the end of weeks 4 and 8. Additionally, fat-free mass and fat mass were evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. No statistically group by time interactions were found, even adjusting for age. PhA and vector did not change over the training period, while time-dependent increases were observed for 1RM back squat and 1RM bench press. A direct association was observed between PhA and 1RM bench press changes (whole sample), while PhA and strength were correlated throughout the study, even when adjusting for fat-free mass and percentage of fat mass. Leucine metabolites have no effect on PhA, BIVA patterns or strength during an 8-week resistance training program, in resistance trained subjects. The trial was registered at ClincicalTrials.gov: NCT03511092. Novelty: Supplementation with leucine metabolites is not a supplementation strategy that improves bioelectrical phase angle, cellular health, and strength after an 8-week resistance training program. When consuming a high protein diet, none of the α-hydroxyisocaproic acid, β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate free acid, and calcium β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate metabolites resulted in an ergogenic effect in resistance trained men.

Is stronger better? Influence of a strength phase followed by a hypertrophy phase on muscular adaptations in resistance-trained men

ABSTRACT Although used by resistance-trained individuals, it is unknown if increasing muscle strength prior to hypertrophy training leads to greater muscle growth and strength gains. We investigated muscle thickness and maximum strength in 26 resistance-trained men who were randomly assigned to either: STHT, consisted in a 3-week strength-oriented training period (4x1-3 repetition maximum [RM]) prior to a 5-week hypertrophy-oriented period (4x8-12RM), or HT, which comprised an 8-week hypertrophy-oriented training period. Vastus lateralis muscle thickness, and back squat and leg-press 1-RM were assessed at pre, third week, and after 8 weeks of training. When pre-to-post changes are compared, STHT induced greater muscle growth (p = 0.049; 95%CI = 0.15–3.2%; d = 0.81) and strength gains in the back squat (p = 0.015; 95%CI = 1.5–13%; d = 1.05) and leg-press 45° (p = 0.044; 95%CI = 0.16–9.9%; d = 0.79) compared to HT. Our results support the use of a period to increase muscle strength prior to an HT to increase muscle thickness and maximum strength in resistance-trained men.

Effects of cluster training on body composition and strength in resistance-trained men

BACKGROUND: Cluster Training (CL) is an alternative to traditional training where intra-set breaks are incorporated. Positive effects have been reported on sports performance. However, there is little research on body composition in trained subjects. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of three cluster training (CL) protocols comprised of different intra-set rest (RIntra) and blocks of repetitions (BK) on strength, power and body composition in individuals maintaining a high protein diet. METHODS: Twenty-nine resistance-trained male participants were randomized to RIntra 20 s and BK 3 RM (n= 8, CL1), RIntra 40 s and BK 3 RM (n= 7, CL2), RIntra 20 s and BK 6 RM (n= 7, CL3), and control group (n= 7, CG). All participants performed two sessions per week of lower-limb resistance training for 8 weeks. RESULTS: There were significant changes in FFM in CL1 (0.9 ± 0.5 kg, P= 0.001, ES = 0.17), CL2 (0.6 ± 0.5 kg, P= 0.010, ES = 0.14) and CL3 (0.6 ± 0.4 kg, P= 0.011, ES = 0.14) but not in CG (0.4 ± 1.1 kg, P= 0.323, ES = 0.13). Likewise, significant increases were found in the cluster groups (CL1, 14.5 ± 12.3, P= 0.012, ES = 0.80; CL2, 10.1 ± 4.3, P= 0.001, ES = 0.60; CL3, 9.5 ± 4.9, P= 0.002, ES = 0.45) but not in CG (9.0 ± 9.0, P= 0.057, ES = 0.55). There were no significant changes for any group in CMJ. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that a RIntra of ∼ 20 s in CL protocols with 3 RM blocks in multi-joint exercises of the lower-limb is sufficient to elicit significant training adaptations; no additional benefits were obtained using longer rest intervals.

The Minimum Effective Training Dose Required to Increase 1RM Strength in Resistance-Trained Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Increases in muscular strength may increase sports performance, reduce injury risk, are associated with a plethora of health markers, as well as exerting positive psychological effects. Due to their efficiency and effectiveness in increasing total body muscular strength, multi-joint exercises like the powerlifts, i.e.: the squat (SQ), bench-press (BP) and deadlift (DL), are widely used by active individuals as well as athletes in the pursuit of increasing strength. To date, the concept of a minimum dose, i.e. "what is the minimum one needs to do to increase 1-repetition maximum (1RM) strength?" has not been directly examined in the literature, especially in the context of the powerlifts. This review aims to explore the current available evidence around the minimum effective training dose required to increase 1RM strength in trained individuals in an attempt to enhance the practical guidelines around resistance-training as well as provide active individuals, athletes and coaches with more flexibility when designing a training protocol. One reviewer independently conducted the search in a PRISMA systematic approach using PubMed, SportDiscus and Google Scholar databases. The databases were searched with the following search terms/phrases and Boolean operators: "training volume" AND "powerlifting" OR "1RM strength" OR "powerlifters", "low volume" AND "powerlifting" OR "powerlifting" OR "1RM strength", "high vs low volume" AND "powerlifting" OR "1RM strength", "minimum effective training dose 1RM". Meta-analyses were performed to estimate the change in 1RM strength for the lowest dose group in the included studies. From the initial 2629 studies, 6 studies met our inclusion criteria. All identified studies showed that a single set performed minimum 1 time and maximum 3 times per week was sufficient to induce significant 1RM strength gains. Meta-analysis of 5 studies showed an estimated increase for overall 1RM of 12.09kg [95% CIs 8.16kg-16.03kg], an increase of 17.48kg [95% CIs 8.51kg-26.46kg] for the SQ, and 8.25kg [95% CIs 0.68kg-15.83kg] for the BP. All of the included studies contained details on most of the variables comprising "training dose", such as: weekly and per session sets and repetitions as well as intensity of effort. Specific information regarding load (%1RM) was not provided by all studies. The results of the present systematic review suggest that performing a single set of 6-12 repetitions with loads ranging from approximately 70-85% 1RM 2-3 times per week with high intensity of effort (reaching volitional or momentary failure) for 8-12weeks can produce suboptimal, yet significant increases in SQ and BP 1RM strength in resistance-trained men. However, because of the lack of research, it is less clear as to whether these improvements may also be achievable in DL 1RM strength or in trained women and highly trained strength athletes. This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42018108911).

Resistance Training–Induced Elevations in Muscular Strength in Trained Men Are Maintained After 2 Weeks of Detraining and Not Differentially Affected by Whey Protein Supplementation

Hwang, PS, Andre, TL, McKinley-Barnard, SK, Morales Marroquín, FE, Gann, JJ, Song, JJ, and Willoughby, DS. Resistance training-induced elevations in muscular strength in trained men are maintained after 2 weeks of detraining and not differentially affected by whey protein supplementation. J Strength Cond Res 31(4): 869-881, 2017-Resistance training (RT) with nutritional strategies incorporating whey protein intake postexercise can stimulate muscle protein synthesis and elicit hypertrophy. The early phases of training-induced anabolic responses can be attenuated with longer-term training. It is currently unknown if short-term detraining (DT) can restore these blunted anabolic responses during a subsequent retraining (ReT) period. Twenty resistance-trained men (age 20.95 ± 1.23 years; n = 20) were randomized into one of 2 groups (PRO or CHO; 25 g) in a double-blind manner. Participants followed a 4-day per week RT program (4-week RT; 2-week DT; 4-week ReT) while consuming their respective supplement only on workout days during RT and ReT, but every day during DT. At baseline, 4 weeks after RT (post-RT), 2 weeks after DT (post-2-week DT), and after 4 weeks of ReT after DT (post-ReT), leg press strength (LPS) was assessed and rectus femoris cross-sectional area and lean mass changes were assessed by ultrasonography and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, respectively. A factorial 2 × 4 (group by time) analyses of variance with repeated measures were used with a probability level at ≤0.05. LPS was elevated throughout the 10-week training study (p = 0.003) with no decrease in LPS after DT in both groups. Although not statistically significant, both groups retained lean mass after DT. A 2-week period of DT appeared to retain muscular strength in resistance-trained men. Therefore, a short-term period of DT can potentially retain lower-body strength in young resistance-trained men irrespective of supplementing with 25 g of whey protein postexercise.

Effects of phosphatidic acid supplementation on muscle thickness and strength in resistance-trained men.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of phosphatidic acid (PA) supplementation on muscle thickness and strength following an 8 week supervised resistance-training program. Fifteen resistance trained men (22.8 ± 3.5 years; 80.6 ± 8.7 kg; 178.1 ± 5.6 cm; 14.6% ± 8.8% body fat) were randomly assigned to a group that either consumed 750 mg of PA or a placebo (PL). Testing was carried out before (PRE) and after (POST) training/supplementation for muscle thickness and strength. Muscle thickness of the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), biceps brachii (BB), and triceps brachii (TB) muscles were measured via ultrasonography, along with 1 repetition maximum (1RM) of squat, deadlift, and bench press. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), using PRE values as the covariate, did not reveal any group differences for measures of muscle thickness in the RF (PA: 3.6% ± 5.2%; PL: 3.2% ± 4.2%, p = 0.97), VL (PA: 23.4% ± 18.1%, PL: 12.5% ± 15.4%, p = 0.37), BB (PA: 3.7% ± 6.4%, PL: 9.6% ± 12.4%, p = 0.86), or TB (PA: 15.1% ± 17.9%, PL: 10.7% ± 19.3%, p = 0.79). Likewise, no group differences were observed in changes in squat (PA: 8.4% ± 4.1%, PL: 8.1% ± 4.2%, p = 0.79), deadlift (PA: 10.1% ± 10.1%, PL: 8.9% ± 9.5%, p = 0.66), or bench press (PA: 5.7% ± 5.5%, PL: 5.1% ± 3.0%, p = 0.76) exercises. Collectively, however, all participants experienced significant (p < 0.05) improvements in each measure of muscle thickness and strength. Results of this study suggest that PA supplementation, in combination with a 3 days·week-1 resistance-training program for 8 weeks, did not have a differential effect compared with PL on changes in muscle thickness or 1RM strength.

The effect of training volume and intensity on improvements in muscular strength and size in resistance-trained men.

This investigation compared the effect of high-volume (VOL) versus high-intensity (INT) resistance training on stimulating changes in muscle size and strength in resistance-trained men. Following a 2-week preparatory phase, participants were randomly assigned to either a high-volume (VOL; n = 14, 4 × 10–12 repetitions with ∼70% of one repetition maximum [1RM], 1-min rest intervals) or a high-intensity (INT; n = 15, 4 × 3–5 repetitions with ∼90% of 1RM, 3-min rest intervals) training group for 8 weeks. Pre- and posttraining assessments included lean tissue mass via dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, muscle cross-sectional area and thickness of the vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF), pectoralis major, and triceps brachii muscles via ultrasound images, and 1RM strength in the back squat and bench press (BP) exercises. Blood samples were collected at baseline, immediately post, 30 min post, and 60 min postexercise at week 3 (WK3) and week 10 (WK10) to assess the serum testosterone, growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1), cortisol, and insulin concentrations. Compared to VOL, greater improvements (P < 0.05) in lean arm mass (5.2 ± 2.9% vs. 2.2 ± 5.6%) and 1RM BP (14.8 ± 9.7% vs. 6.9 ± 9.0%) were observed for INT. Compared to INT, area under the curve analysis revealed greater (P < 0.05) GH and cortisol responses for VOL at WK3 and cortisol only at WK10. Compared to WK3, the GH and cortisol responses were attenuated (P < 0.05) for VOL at WK10, while the IGF1 response was reduced (P < 0.05) for INT. It appears that high-intensity resistance training stimulates greater improvements in some measures of strength and hypertrophy in resistance-trained men during a short-term training period.

Effect of caffeine ingestion on maximal voluntary contraction strength in upper- and lower-body muscle groups.

The effect of caffeine on strength-power performance is equivocal, especially with regard to maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) strength. This is partly related to differences in upper- and lower-body musculature. However, there is no evidence to suggest whether this is a product of muscle group location, muscle group size, or both. Consequently, the primary aim of this study was to establish whether the effect of caffeine ingestion on MVC strength in upper- and lower-body muscle groups is significantly different, and if so, to determine whether this is a product of muscle group size. In a randomized, subject-blind crossover manner, 16 resistance-trained men (estimated caffeine intake [mean ± SD] 95.4 ± 80.0 mg·d) received either 6 mg·kg of caffeine (CAF) or a placebo (PLA). Isokinetic peak torque of the knee extensors, ankle plantar flexors, elbow flexors and wrist flexors were measured at an angular velocity of 60°·s. Statistical analyses revealed a significant increase in isokinetic peak torque from PLA to CAF (p = 0.011) and a significant difference in isokinetic peak torque between muscle groups (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant treatment × muscle group interaction (p = 0.056). Nonetheless, the %improvement in isokinetic peak torque with caffeine increased with muscle group size. In conclusion, a moderate dose of caffeine improves MVC strength in resistance-trained men regardless of muscle group location, whereas the influence of muscle group size remains uncertain. This research may be useful for competitive and recreational athletes aiming to increase strength-power performance.

The Effect of Training Volume on Lower-Body Strength

The objective of this study was to examine the chronic effects on lower-body strength in resistance trained men of performing varying training volumes over 6 weeks. A pretest and posttest design was used to investigate the effects on 1-repetition maximum (1RM) squat strength. Also, 1RM testing was performed at 3 weeks. Participants were randomly assigned to an intensity-matched (80% of 1RM) low (1-SET), moderate (4-SET), or high (8-SET) volume condition. In addition to significant strength increases in all groups at the end of the 6-week period, increases were observed at 3 weeks under the 4- and 8-SET conditions, which were greater than the improvement under the 1-SET condition. At 6 weeks, the magnitude of improvement was significantly greater for the 8-SET, as compared with that of the 1-SET group. The magnitude of improvement elicited in the 4-SET group was not different from that of the 1-SET or 8-SET groups. The results suggest that "high" volumes (i.e., >4 sets) are associated with enhanced strength development but that "moderate" volumes offer no advantage. Practitioners should be aware that strength development may be dependent on appropriate volume doses and training duration.

Effects of pre- and post-exercise intake of performance supplements on body composition, circumferences, and muscle strength in trained men during 6 weeks of resistance training

Background Resistance training (RT) enhances muscle protein synthesis and increases muscle strength and hypertrophy. Protein and amino acid supplements have been shown to augment the physiological improvements associated with RT such as improved body composition, muscular strength, and hypertrophy while suppressing exerciseinduced proteolysis. Supplements that also contain creatine and caffeine have been shown to improve lean mass and muscular strength in moderately-trained recreational athletes. Recently, consumption of a supplement before RT that contains protein, caffeine, and creatine has been shown to increase fat-free mass (FFM) and upper-body strength in sedentary, untrained males. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of pre- and post-workout performance supplementson body composition, circumferences, and maximal strength in resistance trained men.

The Effects of Amino Acid Supplementation on Muscular Performance During Resistance Training Overreaching

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of ami-no acid supplementation on muscular strength, power, and high-intensity endurance during short-term resistance training overreaching. Seventeen resistance-trained men were randomly assigned to either an amino acid (AA) or placebo (P) group and underwent 4 weeks of total-body resistance training consisting of two 2-week phases of overreaching (phase 1: 3 X 8–12 repetitions maximum [RM], 8 exercises; phase 2: 5 X 3–5RM, 5 exercises). Muscle strength, power, and high-intensity endurance were determined before (T1) and at the end of each training week (T2-T5). One repetition maximum squat and bench press decreased at T2 in P (5.2 and 3.4 kg, respectively) but not in AA, and significant increases in 1RM squat and bench press were observed at T3-T5 in both groups. A decrease in the ballistic bench press peak power was observed at T3 in P but not AA. The fatigue index during the 20-repetition jump squat assessment did not change in the P group at T3 and T5 (fatigue index = 18.6 and 18.3%, respectively) whereas a trend for reduction was observed in the AA group (p = 0.06) at T3 (12.8%) but not T5 (15.2%; p = 0.12). These results indicate that the initial impact of high-volume resistance training overreaching reduces muscle strength and power, and it appears that these reductions are attenuated with amino acid supplementation. In addition, an initial high-volume, moderate-intensity phase of overreaching followed by a higher intensity, moderate-volume phase appears to be very effective for enhancing muscle strength in resistance-trained men.

Effects of norandrostenedione and norandrostenediol in resistance-trained men

Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of norsteroid supplementation (224 mg of 19-nor-4-androstene-3,17-dione and 120 mg of 19-nor-4-androstene-3,17-diol, total daily dose = 344 mg) on body composition and strength in resistance-trained men. Methods In a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized fashion, 10 subjects received the norsteroid (11 capsules containing a combination of both norsteroids) or a placebo for 8 wk (five subjects per group). Each subject participated in resistance training an average of 4 d/wk for the duration of the study. Body composition was determined via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Strength was determined using a one-repetition maximum bench press and a one-repetition maximum biceps curl. Results With regard to all measures in both groups, there were no significant changes between before and after the study. Conclusions Therefore, in this small sample of resistance-trained men, 344 mg/d of norsteroid supplementation had no effect on strength or body composition.