Six-week improvements in muscle mass and strength during androgen therapy in older men.

Background: The purpose of our study was to assess the early effects of a potent anabolic androgen on muscle mass and strength, lower extremity power, and functional performance in older men.

Methods: Thirty-two men 72 +/- 6 years of age were randomized to receive oxandrolone (10 mg twice daily) or matching placebo in a 2:1 manner for 12 weeks. Total and appendicular lean body mass (LBM) were assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).