title: Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone on muscle strength and physical function in older adults: a systematic review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate studies that have assessed the effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on body composition and physical performance in older adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic review of the medical literature identified from searches of databases, reference lists, and recent conference proceedings with qualitative assessment of the desired end points.
  
  
  METHODS
  Not applicable.
  
  
  METHODS
  Adults aged 50 and older.
  
  
  METHODS
  Oral DHEA supplement with or without concomitant exercise.
  
  
  METHODS
  Muscle strength, physical function, and physical performance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 155 eligible studies, eight (n=661 participants) met inclusion criteria. The studies differed in their included populations, duration of follow-up, and interventions (e.g., exercise). Seven studies examined measures of muscle strength. One study showed improvement in handgrip strength, one showed improvement in chest press, two showed improvement in leg press, and one showed improvement in knee extension and flexion. Nevertheless, similar numbers of studies had negative results for each of these endpoints. Five studies examined measures of physical function and performance. Only one study showed improvement in a composite score measuring physical performance; the rest reported no differences between DHEA and control for any end point.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Overall, the benefit of DHEA on muscle strength and physical function in older adults remains inconclusive. Some measures of muscle strength may improve, although consensus was not reached. DHEA does not appear to routinely benefit measures of physical function or performance. Further large clinical trials are necessary to better identify the clinical role of DHEA supplementation in this population.
authors.affiliation: Center on Aging, Health Center, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Farmington, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, USA. wbaker@uchc.edu
authors.forename: William L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Baker
authors.forename: Shobha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Karan
authors.forename: Anne M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Kenny
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000187:drug effects*; D010809:Physical Fitness; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D012737:Sex Factors
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate