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I personally advocate the use of HGH because Sylvester Stallone used it in order to get in shape to make Rambo. The fact that Rambo is the single greatest movie to come out this year makes it okay with me, but it turns out that smart people agree with me (for different reasons).

A new study by Hau Liu of Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, Calif suggests that athletes who take human growth hormone (HGH) don’t see a significant increase in performance, and some may even hinder their progress. The study involved 447 athletic male participants (27 of which were given HGH) and the results were released Monday.

There was no difference found in strength or exercise stamina between the two groups, but there were only two strength studies and eight that measured exercise. Those who got the hormone had more side effects, including swelling and fatigue.

But the new research has some limitations and sheds no light on long-term use of HGH. The scientists note their analysis included few studies that measured performance. The tests also probably don’t reflect the dose and frequency practiced by athletes illegally using the hormone.

“It doesn’t look like it helps, and there’s a hint of evidence it may worsen athletic performance,” said Hau Liu.

In slightly related news, Mike Golic of ESPN’s Mike & Mike In The Morning appeared on The Late Show With David Letterman and the topic of steroids were brought up. When asked about the possible benefits of HGH and steroids, Golic says he believed that when used properly under the watchful eye of medical professionals, HGH and steroids could be beneficial.

You can skip to 3:30 in the video to see Golic discuss performance enhancing drugs below

[thanks to Awful Announcing for the vid]