Inter-individual variations in response to aerobic and resistance training in hypertensive older adults.

BACKGROUND: Hemodynamic responses to physical training are not homogenous and uniform, and considerable inter-individual variations in the blood pressure of hypertensive individuals are noted in both aerobic and resistance training protocols. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of resistance and aerobic exercise on the blood pressure responses of hypertensive older adults. METHODS: Groups were randomly divided into resistance training, n = 20; aerobic training, n = 20; control group, n = 21). After the first intervention period (12 weeks), individuals underwent a washout period (six detraining weeks), followed by a second intervention. This process is called the 'cross-over' model, where individuals who performed the aerobic exercise protocol also performed resistance training and vice-versa, constituting another 12 weeks of intervention. Blood pressure, functional performance, glycated hemoglobin and lipid profiles were evaluated preintervention and postintervention. RESULTS: Varying responses to resistance training or aerobic training stimuli were observed in the hypertensive older adult participants. Both resistance training (pre 133.2 ±â€Š14.1; post 122.4 ±â€Š7.3; P < 0.05) and aerobic training (pre 134.2 ±â€Š14.4; post 123 ±â€Š9.4; P < 0.0.5) were effective in decreasing SBP, but only aerobic training (pre 9955.3 ±â€Š1769.4; post 8800.9 ±â€Š1316.1; P < 0.05) resulted in a decreased double product, and only the resistance training group improved functional performance. CONCLUSION: Responses to resistance training or aerobic training stimuli varied noticeably between hypertensive older adults and both resistance training and aerobic training were effective in reducing SBP. This knowledge may be useful in providing individually tailored exercise prescriptions for hypertensive older adults.

Resistance training reduces depressive symptoms in elderly people with Parkinson disease: A controlled randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Depression affects up to 40% of individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). PURPOSE: To assess resistance training effects on the depressive symptoms of elderly PD patients. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized control study. METHODS: Thirty-three patients (aged ≥ 60 years) were randomly divided into two groups: (a) control group: n = 16 and (b) resistance training group (RTG): n = 17. All patients with Parkinson's disease (stage 1-3 on the Hoehn and Yahr scale). The RTG, in addition to maintaining their pharmacological treatments, performed 20 weeks of resistance training. The control group maintained their pharmacological treatments. Depressive symptoms, quality of life, unified Parkinson's Disease scale, and functional capacity were evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: The RTG presented a significant reduction (P < .05) of depressive symptoms (pre = 17.9 ± 8 score; post = 10.3 ± 6 score; effect size: -0.48), improved quality of life (pre = 40.3 ± 21.1 score; post = 30.2 ± 16.8 score; effect size: -0.26), and improved UPDRS (pre = 64 ± 34.6 score; post = 49.1 ± 24.1 score; effect size: -0.24). No significant changes in the control group regarding depressive symptoms (pre = 18.7 ± 5.4 score; post = 19.4 ± 5.2 score; effect size: 0.07), quality of life (pre = 39 ± 16.1 score; post = 40.6 ± 15.6 score; effect size: 0.05), and UPDRS (pre = 61.1 ± 24.3 score; post = 64.9 ± 23.4 score; effect size: 0.08) after 20 weeks. CONCLUSION: Resistance training reduces depressive symptoms and improves the quality of life and functionality of elderly with PD.

The effect of resistance training on the anxiety symptoms and quality of life in elderly people with Parkinson's disease: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of resistance training on the anxiety symptoms and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease. METHODS: Thirty-five elderly patients were randomly divided into two groups: 17 patients in the control group and 18 in the intervention group. All patients maintained standard pharmacological treatment for Parkinson's disease, but the intervention group participated in a 24-week resistance training program. The anxiety symptoms were assessed through the Beck's Anxiety Inventory, and quality of life by the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in anxiety level and increase in quality of life after 24 weeks of resistance training. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study indicate that resistance training is an effective intervention in the reduction of anxiety symptoms and improves the quality of life in elderly people with Parkinson's disease.

The effect of resistance training on the anxiety symptoms and quality of life in elderly people with Parkinson's disease: a randomized controlled trial / O efeito do treinamento resistido sobre sintomas de ansiedade e qualidade de vida em idosos com doença de Parkinson's: ensaio randomizado controlado

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the effects of resistance training on the anxiety symptoms and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease. Methods: Thirty-five elderly patients were randomly divided into two groups: 17 patients in the control group and 18 in the intervention group. All patients maintained standard pharmacological treatment for Parkinson's disease, but the intervention group participated in a 24-week resistance training program. The anxiety symptoms were assessed through the Beck's Anxiety Inventory, and quality of life by the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39. Results: There was a significant reduction in anxiety level and increase in quality of life after 24 weeks of resistance training. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that resistance training is an effective intervention in the reduction of anxiety symptoms and improves the quality of life in elderly people with Parkinson's disease.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar os efeitos do treinamento resistido nos sintomas de ansiedade e na qualidade de vida em pacientes com doença de Parkinson. Métodos: Trinta e cinco pacientes idosos foram divididos randomicamente em dois grupos: 17 indivíduos no grupo controle e 18 no grupo de intervenção. Todos os sujeitos mantiveram o tratamento farmacológico padrão para a doença de Parkinson, mas o grupo de intervenção participou de um programa de treinamento resistido de 24 semanas. Os sintomas de ansiedade foram avaliados através do inventário de ansiedade de Beck e a qualidade de vida pelo questionário da doença de Parkinson-39. Resultados: Houve redução significativa no nível de ansiedade e melhora da qualidade de vida após 24 semanas de treinamento resistido. Conclusão: Os resultados do presente estudo indicam que o treinamento resistido é uma intervenção efetiva na redução dos sintomas de ansiedade e melhora a qualidade de vida em idosos com doença de Parkinson.

Effect of resistance training on physical performance and functional respiratory capacity of elderly women / Efeito do treinamento resistido no desempenho físico e capacidade funcional respiratória de mulheres idosas

ABSTRACT In the aging process, additionally to other functional losses, there are reductions in physical and functional respiratory performance.It is known that resistance training (RT) is effective at developing trophism and muscle strength; however, little is known about the influence of RT on respiratory variables. To compare maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP; MEP), Axillary, Xiphoid and Abdominal ranges - AxR, XiR and AbR -, Peakflow and performance in theIncremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT) of elderly women participating in an RT program with those of untrained ones. Methods: 53 women, aged 66 ± 5.2 years -28 participants of an extension project at Pará State University, with a minimum of 6 months of practice in a RT program, composing the trained group (TG), and 25 volunteers who composed the untrained group (UG). Assessments consisted of measurements of MIP, MEP, AxR, XiR, AbR, Peak Flow and performance in the ISWT. As results, significant differences were found, with better values in the TG as to all variables assessed, except for AbR. In conclusion, elderly women subjected to anRT program showed favorable and significant differences in MIP, MEP, XiR, Peakflow and ISWT compared tountrained ones.

RESUMO No processo de envelhecimento, entre outras perdas funcionais, ocorrem reduções no desempenho físico e capacidade funcional respiratória. Sabe-se que o treinamento resistido (TR) é eficaz no desenvolvimento do trofismo e força muscular, contudo, pouco se sabe sobre a influência do TR em variáveis respiratórias. Este estudo comparou as pressões inspiratórias e expiratórias máximas (PImáx; PEmáx), as amplitudes Axilar (AAx), Xifoideana (AXi) e Abdominal (AAb), o Peak-Flow e o desempenho no Incremental ShuttleWalk Test (ISWT) de idosas praticantes de um programa de TR, com os de idosas não treinadas. Foram avaliadas 53 mulheres idosas, idade de 66±5,2 anos, sendo 28 participantes de um projeto de extensão da Universidade do Estado do Pará, com mínimo de seis meses de matrículaem um programa de TR, que compuseram o grupo de treinadas (GT) e, 25 voluntárias que compuseram o grupo de nãotreinadas (GNT). As avaliações constaram de medidas de PImáx, PEmáx, AAx, AXi, AAb, Peak-Flow e de desempenho no ISWT. Constataram-se diferenças significativas, com valores favoráveis ao GT em todas as variáveis avaliadas, exceto AAb. Conclui-se que mulheres idosas do GT obtiveram diferenças favoráveis e significativas na PImáx, PEmáx, AAx, AXi, Peak-Flow e ISWT, quando comparadas com mulheres idosas do GNT.

Resistance training alone reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure in prehypertensive and hypertensive individuals: meta-analysis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of resistance training alone on the systolic and diastolic blood pressure in prehypertensive and hypertensive individuals. Our meta-analysis, followed the guidelines of PRISMA. The search for articles was realized by November 2016 using the following electronic databases: BIREME, PubMed, Cochrane Library, LILACS and SciELO and a search strategy that included the combination of titles of medical affairs and terms of free text to the key concepts: 'hypertension' 'hypertensive', 'prehypertensive', 'resistance training', 'strength training', and 'weight-lifting'. These terms were combined with a search strategy to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and identified a total of 1608 articles: 644 articles BIREME, 53 SciELO, 722 PubMed, 122 Cochrane Library and 67 LILACS. Of these, five RCTs met the inclusion criteria and provided data on 201 individuals. The results showed significant reductions for systolic blood pressure (-8.2 mm Hg CI -10.9 to -5.5;I2: 22.5% P valor for heterogeneity=0.271 and effect size=-0.97) and diastolic blood pressure (-4.1 mm Hg CI -6.3 to -1.9; I2: 46.5% P valor for heterogeneity=0.113 and effect size=-0.60) when compared to group control. In conclusion, resistance training alone reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure in prehypertensive and hypertensive subjects. The RCTs studies that investigated the effects of resistance training alone in prehypertensive and hypertensive patients support the recommendation of resistance training as a tool for management of systemic hypertension.

Swimming and cycling do not cause positive effects on bone mineral density: a systematic review.

Osteoporosis is considered a common metabolic bone disease and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. In this context, physical activity has been used as a non-pharmacological tool for prevention and auxiliary treatment of this disease. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of cycling and swimming practice on bone mineral density (BMD). This research was conducted in accordance with the recommendations outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The studies were consulted in the period from 2004 to 2014, through major electronic databases: PubMed(®), SciELO(®) and LILACS(®). Ten studies evaluated the effects of cycling on BMD, and the results showed that nine studies have linked the practice of professional cycling with low levels of BMD. Another 18 studies have reported that swimming has no positive effects on bone mass. We conclude that cycling and swimming do not cause positive effects on BMD; thus, these are not the most suitable exercises for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Swimming and cycling do not cause positive effects on bone mineral density: a systematic review / Natação e ciclismo não causam efeitos positivos na densidade mineral óssea: uma revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT Osteoporosis is considered a common metabolic bone disease and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. In this context, physical activity has been used as a non-pharmacological tool for prevention and auxiliary treatment of this disease. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of cycling and swimming practice on bone mineral density (BMD). This research was conducted in accordance with the recommendations outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The studies were consulted in the period from 2004 to 2014, through major electronic databases: PubMed®, SciELO® and LILACS®. Ten studies evaluated the effects of cycling on BMD, and the results showed that nine studies have linked the practice of professional cycling with low levels of BMD. Another 18 studies have reported that swimming has no positive effects on bone mass. We conclude that cycling and swimming do not cause positive effects on BMD; thus, these are not the most suitable exercises for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

RESUMO A osteoporose é considerada uma doença osteometabólica comum e sua prevalência está aumentando mundialmente. Nesse contexto, a atividade física tem sido usada como ferramenta não farmacológica para prevenir e auxiliar no tratamento dessa doença. O objetivo desta revisão sistemática foi avaliar os efeitos da prática do ciclismo e da natação na densidade mineral óssea (DMO). Esta pesquisa foi feita de acordo com as recomendações do Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Os estudos foram consultados entre 2004 e 2014, por meio de importantes bases de dados eletrônicas: PubMed®, SciELO® e Lilacs®. Dez pesquisas avaliaram os efeitos do ciclismo sobre a DMO, os resultados demonstraram que nove estudos associaram a prática do ciclismo profissional com baixos níveis de DMO. Outros 18 estudos relataram que a natação não tem efeitos positivos sobre a massa óssea. Conclui-se que o ciclismo e a natação não causam efeitos positivos na DMO. Assim, não são os exercícios mais indicados para a prevenção e o tratamento da osteoporose.

EFEITOS DO EXERCÍCIO RESISTIDO DE ALTA INTENSIDADE EM RATOS QUE RECEBERAM DEXAMETASONA / EFFECTS OF HIGH INTENSITY RESISTANCE TRAINING IN RATS RECEIVING DEXAMETHASONE / EFECTOS DEL ENTRENAMIENTO RESISTIDO DE ALTA INTENSIDAD EN RATAS QUE RECIBIERON DEXAMETASONA

RESUMO Introdução: A dexametasona administrada cronicamente promove alterações deletérias no metabolismo dos carboidratos. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos do exercício resistido de alta intensidade sobre a sensibilidade à insulina, tolerância à glicose e força muscular de ratos submetidos ao uso crônico de dexametasona. Métodos: Foram utilizados 40 ratos machos divididos randomicamente em quatro grupos: 1) Controle Sedentário (CS); 2) Controle Treinado (CT); 3) Dexametasona Sedentário (DS) e 4) Dexametasona Treinado (DT). O exercício resistido foi realizado em aparelho de agachamento composto por três séries, 10 repetições, com intensidade de 75% de 1 RM durante quatro semanas. Concomitantemente, os grupos DS e DT recebiam diariamente dexametasona intraperitoneal (0,2 g/kg) e os grupos CS e CT recebiam somente solução salina (0,9%). Ao final do protocolo foram realizados testes de tolerância à glicose, sensibilidade à insulina e teste de força máxima. Resultados: Nos grupos treinados (CT e DT) houve aumento da força muscular de 14,78% e 36,87% respectivamente, sem ganho significativo nos grupos sedentários. No teste de tolerância à glicose, os grupos treinados (CT e DT) apresentaram amplitudes atenuadas da glicose plasmática quando comparados aos grupos sedentários (CS e DS). No teste de sensibilidade à insulina, o grupo DT apresentou menor área sob a curva em relação ao grupo DS. Conclusão: O exercício resistido de alta intensidade melhora a sensibilidade à insulina, tolerância à glicose e a força muscular em ratos que receberam a dexametasona.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Prolonged administration of dexamethasone promotes deleterious changes in the metabolism of carbohydrates. Objective: To evaluate the effects of high intensity resistance training on insulin sensibility, glucose tolerance, and muscle strength in rats submitted to chronic use of dexamethasone. Methods: Forty males rats were randomly divided into four groups: 1) Control Sedentary (CS); 2) Control Trained (CT); 3) Dexamethasone Sedentary (DS) and 4) Dexamethasone Trained (DT). Resistance training was conducted in squat apparatus composed of three series, 10 repetitions, with an intensity of 75% of 1 RM for four weeks. Concurrently, the DS and DT groups received daily intraperitoneal dexamethasone (0.2 g/kg) and the CS and CT groups received only saline (0.9%). At the end of the protocol, glucose tolerance, insulin sensibility and maximum force tests were conducted. Results: In the trained groups (CT e DT) was found an increased muscle strength of 14.78% and 36.87%, respectively, with no significant gain in sedentary groups. In the glucose tolerance test, the trained groups (CT e DT) showed attenuated ranges of plasma glucose when compared to sedentary groups (CS and DS). In insulin sensibility test, the DT group showed lower area under the curve in relation to the DS group. Conclusion: The high intensity resistance exercise improved insulin sensibility, glucose tolerance and increased muscle strength in rats submitted to chronic use of dexamethasone.

RESUMEN Introducción: A largo plazo, la dexametasona promueve cambios nocivos sobre el metabolismo de los hidratos de carbono. Objetivo: Evaluar los efectos del entrenamiento de resistencia de alta intensidad en la sensibilidad a la insulina, tolerancia a la glucosa y la fuerza muscular en ratas sometidas a la utilización crónica de dexametasona. Métodos: Se dividieron aleatoriamente 40 ratas macho en cuatro grupos: 1) Control Sedentario (CS); 2) Control Entrenado (CE) 3); Dexametasona Sedentario (DS); 4) Dexametasona Entrenado (DE). El entrenamiento de resistencia se llevó a cabo en un aparato de agachamiento compuesto por tres series, 10 repeticiones, con intensidad del 75% de 1 RM durante cuatro semanas. Al mismo tiempo, los grupos de DS y DE recibieron dexametasona intraperitoneal diaria (0,2 g/kg) y los grupos CS y CE recibieron sólo solución salina (0,9%). Al final del protocolo se llevaron a cabo las pruebas de tolerancia a la glucosa, sensibilidad a la insulina y de fuerza máxima. Resultados: En los grupos entrenados (CE y DE) se aumentó la fuerza muscular del 14,78% y 36,87%, respectivamente, sin aumento significativo en los grupos sedentarios. En la prueba de tolerancia a la glucosa, los grupos entrenados (CE y DE) mostraron amplitudes atenuadas de la glucosa en plasma en comparación con los grupos sedentarios (CS y SD). En la prueba de sensibilidad a la insulina, el grupo DE mostró disminución del área bajo la curva en relación con el grupo DS. Conclusión: El entrenamiento de resistencia de alta intensidad promovió mejora en la sensibilidad a la insulina, tolerancia a la glucosa y el aumento de la fuerza muscular en ratas sometidas al uso crónico de dexametasona.

Swimming and cycling do not cause positive effects on bone mineral density: a systematic review. / Natação e ciclismo não causam efeitos positivos na densidade mineral óssea: uma revisão sistemática.

Osteoporosis is considered a common metabolic bone disease and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. In this context, physical activity has been used as a non-pharmacological tool for prevention and auxiliary treatment of this disease. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of cycling and swimming practice on bone mineral density (BMD). This research was conducted in accordance with the recommendations outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The studies were consulted in the period from 2004 to 2014, through major electronic databases: PubMed®, SciELO® and LILACS®. Ten studies evaluated the effects of cycling on BMD, and the results showed that nine studies have linked the practice of professional cycling with low levels of BMD. Another 18 studies have reported that swimming has no positive effects on bone mass. We conclude that cycling and swimming do not cause positive effects on BMD; thus, these are not the most suitable exercises for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Prevalence of the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids in Brazil: a systematic review.

The use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) is increasing among practitioners of recreational physical activity. The aim of this research was to evaluate the prevalence of AAS in practitioners of recreational physical activity in Brazil. After systematic review of four databases, 14 articles were included. The results indicate that the prevalence of AAS varied between 2.1% and 31.6%, according to the region analyzed and the sample characteristics. The study's limitations are noted.

Esteroides anabolizantes androgênicos e seus efeitos colaterais: uma revisão crítico-científica / Androgenic anabolic steroids and side effects: a critical scientific review

Os esteroides anabolizantes androgênicos (EAA) são derivados sintéticos da testosterona utilizados inicialmente para fins terapêuticos. Atualmente, essas drogas estão sendo empregadas, de forma abusiva e indiscriminada, para melhoria da performance esportiva e para fins estéticos. Contudo, muitos usuários e alguns profissionais da área de saúde desconhecem ou não acreditam nos efeitos adversos dessas drogas. Neste estudo, objetiva-se verificar os possíveis efeitos colaterais do uso não terapêutico e indiscriminado dos EAA por meio de pesquisas científicas preferencialmente diretas. Foram revisadas fontes de literatura por intermédio das seguintes ferramentas de busca: PUBMED, SCIELO e BVS. Os resultados demonstraram que vários efeitos colaterais são causados pelo uso não terapêutico e abusivo dos EAA. Concluiu-se que alguns efeitos adversos parecem ser desconhecidos ou pouco evidenciados na literatura científica, devido, principalmente, à escassez de estudos randomizados controlados que utilizam dosagens suprafisiológicas de EAA em seres humanos.

The anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic derivatives of testosterone originally used for therapeutic purposes. Nowadays, these drugs are being used improperly and indiscriminately to improve sports performance and esthetics. However, many users and some health professionals doesn't know or don't believe in the adverse effects of these drugs. This study aimed to verify the possible side effects of the non-therapeutic use and indiscriminate of AAS through scientific research preferably direct. It was reviewed literature sources through the following search instruments: PUBMED, SCIELO and BVS. The results showed that several side effects are caused by abusive and non-therapeutic use of AAS. Was concluded that some adverse effects appearance to be unknown or not evident in the scientific literature, due mainly to lack of randomized controlled studies that use supraphysiological doses of AAS in humans.

Prevalência do uso e conhecimento de esteroides anabolizantes androgênicos por estudantes e professores de educação física que atuam em academias de ginástica / Prevalence of the use of anabolic androgenic steroids by physical education students and teachers who work in health clubs

INTRODUÇÃO: Os esteroides anabólicos androgênicos (EAA) são substâncias, quimicamente semelhantes à testosterona, utilizadas para o tratamento/controle de diversas doenças. Contudo, tais substâncias estão sendo empregadas de forma não terapêutica e indiscriminada com finalidades de melhora da performance esportiva e principalmente estética. OBJETIVO: analisar a prevalência do uso e o conhecimento de EAA por estudantes e professores de educação física que atuam em academias de ginástica de Belém, PA. Utilizou-se para a coleta de dados um questionário fechado e anônimo, aplicado a 117 pesquisados. A comparação da prevalência do uso e o grau de conhecimento dos pesquisados sobre EAA foi realizada através de estatística não paramétrica, prova de X² (Qui-quadrado), considerando o intervalo de confiança de 95% e p < 0,05. A média de idade dos participantes da pesquisa foi de 28,0 ± 6,3 anos e a prevalência do uso de EAA foi de 31,6% do total de sujeitos pesquisados. A prevalência maior foi entre os profissionais especialistas (39,3%), tendo como principal motivação para o uso de EAA a estética com 75,6%. Em relação ao conhecimento, verificou-se que as drogas classificadas como EAA foram: Durateston®, Deca-Durabolin®, oxandrolona/Winstrol®. Entretanto, estes profissionais confundiram-se ao apontar outras substâncias como sendo EAA, entre elas: hormônio do crescimento e óleos localizados. Entre os efeitos colaterais, os mais citados foram: acne, engrossamento da voz e agressividade; contudo, efeitos colaterais mais prejudiciais como câncer e aromatização foram menos assinalados. RESULTADOS: Demonstraram que a prevalência de uso de EAA foi significativa (p < 0,03) entre os estudantes e professores de educação física que atuam em academias de Belém, PA, revelando assim prováveis desconhecimentos destes sobre alguns dos efeitos colaterais, podendo implicar no uso indiscriminado destas drogas.

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are chemically similar to testosterone, used for the treatment/control of various diseases. However, these substances are being used in non-therapeutic and indiscriminate purposes to improve sports performance and mainly esthetics. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of AAS use and information of undergraduates and physical education teachers working in fitness centers in Belém-PA. A closed anonymous questionnaire was applied to 117 volunteers as an instrument. Comparison of the prevalence of use and degree of information of the respondents about AAS was performed using statistical non-parametric test X² (chi-square), considering the range of 95%, significant when p<0.05. The average age of the participants was 28.0 ± 6.3 years and the prevalence of AAS use was of 31.6%. The highest prevalence found was among specialist professionals (39.3%), the main motivation for the use of AAS was 75.6% to esthetics. Regarding the information, it was found that the drugs were classified as AAS: Durateston, Deca-Durabolin, Oxandrolona/Winstrol. However, these professionals took other substances for AAS, including: growth hormone and oils. Among the side effects, the most commonly cited were: acne, deepening of the voice and aggressiveness, but more harmful side effects such as cancer and flavor were less marked. The results of this study demonstrate that the use prevalence was significant (p<0.03) among the undergraduate and physical education teachers working in fitness centers of Belém-PA, evidencing hence probable misinformation about some of the side effects of AAS use, implying the indiscriminate use of these drugs.