NEW YORK (AP) — Researchers are reporting the first scientific evidence that a hormone banned in sports can boost athletic performance.
The improvement from human growth hormone was modest, and it was only in sprinting. It didn't increase strength or fitness.
The Australian researchers say runners or swimmers who rely on a burst of energy are the athletes most likely to benefit from the hormone.
Human growth hormone is one of many substances banned by the Olympics and other sports.
The study involved about 100 recreational athletes. The results are in Tuesday's issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.
