The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of different doses of nandrolone decanoate (ND) associated with Strength Training (ST) on the phenotype of fibers and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) in Wistar rats. The animals were divided into seven groups: control (CG) and the groups according to the dose of ND administered (0,1, 1, 2, 5, 10 e 20 mg/kg). The ST consisted of water jumping with loads of 50-70% of their body mass, three times per week during five weeks. The association of ST with ND promoted a modulatory role on the muscle fiber types. There was a hypertrophy of fast twitch fibers (type II) as compared with slow twitch (type I). In conclusion, although the association of ST with ND increased muscle CSA and modified fiber phenotype, there was no additional effect of higher doses.
Strength training; Anabolic steroid; Muscle fibers; Muscle cross-sectional area
