No variation of physical performance and perceived exertion after adrenal gland stimulation by synthetic ACTH (Synacthen) in cyclists

What Was Tested

Researchers studied ACTH (Corticotropin) and Cosyntropin in this randomized controlled trial publication.

To test the performance-enhancing effects of Synacthen, eight trained cyclists completed two, 2-day exercise sessions separated by 7-10 days.

Why It Was Studied

Spot urines were analyzed for androgens and glucocorticoids quantification.

Who Took Part

PubMed indexes the participants as adults, men only.

How the Study Was Run

The researchers set it up as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled and crossover study.

The participants were allocated by chance, so the ACTH (Corticotropin) group and the comparison group should start out alike.

As a double-blind ACTH (Corticotropin) study, the assignments were hidden from both participants and investigators until the end.

The comparison arm used a placebo, so changes seen with ACTH (Corticotropin) could be set against what happens without it.

In the crossover set-up each of the participants took both ACTH (Corticotropin) and the comparison in turn, acting as their own control.

Performance was assessed by a 20-km time trial (TT) after a 90-min fatigue period on day 1 and without the fatiguing protocol on day 2.

Plasma androgens and ACTH concentrations were measured during the exercise bouts as well as the rate of perceived exertion (RPE).

What Was Measured

PubMed files the paper under topics including Adrenal Glands, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, Athletic Performance, Bicycling, Dehydroepiandrosterone, Glucocorticoids and Glucuronides.

What This Means in Plain Language

The paper is a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study of ACTH (Corticotropin) and Cosyntropin.

The publication is from 2008 (European journal of applied physiology), a journal based in Germany.

More context: the ACTH (Corticotropin) compound page and the Cosyntropin compound page, all human trials.