madman
Super Moderator
Effect of testosterone replacement on measures of mobility in older men with mobility limitation and low testosterone concentrations: secondary analyses of the Testosterone Trials
In summary, testosterone administration in older men with mobility limitation consistently improved selfreported measures of physical function and modestly improved mobility, but did not affect fall frequency. The treatment effect on mobility measures was small and seemed to be related to baseline gait speed and selfreported mobility limitation. These effects might not, by themselves, justify use of testosterone therapy in older men with low testosterone concentrations. Thus, testosterone therapy should probably not be started specifically to improve physical function, although men who are treated with testosterone for other reasons could have some improvement in physical function. It is possible that functional exercise training might augment the translation of testosterone-induced muscle mass and strength gains into functional improvements, as exercise training has been reported to augment the anabolic effects of testosterone.30 Further studies of longer duration are needed to identify the clinical meaningfulness of the effects of testosterone on physical function, including use of patient-important outcomes that are more closely aligned with testosterone-induced gains in muscle mass and strength, such as stair climbing speed and chair stand.
In summary, testosterone administration in older men with mobility limitation consistently improved selfreported measures of physical function and modestly improved mobility, but did not affect fall frequency. The treatment effect on mobility measures was small and seemed to be related to baseline gait speed and selfreported mobility limitation. These effects might not, by themselves, justify use of testosterone therapy in older men with low testosterone concentrations. Thus, testosterone therapy should probably not be started specifically to improve physical function, although men who are treated with testosterone for other reasons could have some improvement in physical function. It is possible that functional exercise training might augment the translation of testosterone-induced muscle mass and strength gains into functional improvements, as exercise training has been reported to augment the anabolic effects of testosterone.30 Further studies of longer duration are needed to identify the clinical meaningfulness of the effects of testosterone on physical function, including use of patient-important outcomes that are more closely aligned with testosterone-induced gains in muscle mass and strength, such as stair climbing speed and chair stand.
