World J Mens Health.  2018 May;36(2):110-122. 10.5534/wjmh.182001.

Testosterone Replacement, Muscle Strength, and Physical Function

• Nam YS
• Lee G
• Yun JM
• Cho B

• KMID: 2419309
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.182001

Abstract

Muscle strength and physical function decrease in older men, as do testosterone levels. Nonetheless, the effects of testosterone replacement therapy on muscle strength and physical function remain inconclusive and equivocal. We conducted a rapid systematic review, the results of which showed that testosterone replacement does not affect muscle strength (measured by hand grip strength and leg muscle strength), although it may increase physical function (measured by the 6-minute walk test, Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly score, and other physical performance tests). However, most of the studies were conducted in the United States or Europe and did not include participants from Asian or other ethnic backgrounds; therefore, further studies are needed to evaluate the effects of testosterone replacement in a broader population.

Keyword

Aged; Muscle strength; Physical activity; Testosterone

MeSH Terms

Aged
Asian Continental Ancestry Group
Europe
Hand
Hand Strength
Humans
Leg
Male
Motor Activity
Muscle Strength*
Testosterone*
United States
Testosterone

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Forest plot showing the weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for hand grip strength in kilograms as derived from available randomized controlled trials on the effect of testosterone replacement therapy vs. placebo.

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  Fig. 2 Forest plot showing standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for leg muscle strength as derived from available randomized controlled trials on the effect of testosterone replacement therapy vs. placebo.

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  Fig. 3 Forest plot showing weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the 6-minute walk test in meters as derived from available randomized controlled trials on the effect of testosterone replacement therapy vs. placebo.

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  Fig. 4 Forest plot showing weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for physical activity scale for the elderly (PASE) scale as derived from available randomized controlled trials on the effect of testosterone replacement therapy vs. placebo.

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  Fig. 5 Forest plot showing standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for physical performance test scores as derived from available randomized controlled trials on the effect of testosterone replacement therapy vs. placebo.

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  Fig. 6 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. SR: systematic review, RCT: randomized controlled trial.

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