NATA Position Statement Review Part 8: Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids

Athletic trainers are trusted health care professionals who often find themselves at the front lines of athlete health and safety. One of the most important resources guiding their practice is the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Position Statements. These documents provide evidence-based recommendations on critical health topics, ensuring that athletic trainers are well-prepared to educate, prevent, and manage issues that arise in the athletic setting.

For athletic training students preparing for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam, familiarity with these statements is essential. Not only are they rooted in best practices and current research, but they also connect directly to the BOC’s Role Delineation/Practice Analysis—the foundation of exam content. Knowing the key points allows students to demonstrate competence in patient care, prevention strategies, and ethical responsibilities, all while preparing them for the realities of professional practice.

One key example is the NATA Position Statement on Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (AAS). Understanding this statement helps future athletic trainers recognize the scope of steroid abuse, its health consequences, and their role in prevention and intervention.

Overview of the NATA Position Statement on AAS

The statement emphasizes that while anabolic-androgenic steroids can increase lean muscle mass and improve performance, their nonmedical use carries serious health risks and ethical concerns. Athletic trainers are uniquely positioned to educate, prevent, and intervene when necessary.

Key Points

1. Basic Science of AAS

• AAS are synthetic derivatives of testosterone classified as Schedule III controlled substances.
  
• They affect both anabolic (tissue-building) and androgenic (masculinizing) processes.
  

2. Therapeutic vs. Nontherapeutic Use

• Medically, AAS may be prescribed for conditions like hypogonadism, anemia, or chronic wasting disorders.
  
• Abuse is widespread among athletes and non-athletes for performance or body-image reasons, often beginning in adolescence.
  

3. Sources and Patterns of Abuse

• Abusers often obtain AAS through illicit channels such as the Internet, gyms, and teammates, leading to concerns about contamination and counterfeit products.
  
• Nonmedical users typically take doses far above therapeutic levels, often “stacking” multiple drugs in cycles.
  

4. Health Consequences

• Abuse can negatively affect nearly every body system, including cardiovascular, reproductive, hepatic, immune, and musculoskeletal health.
  
• In men, side effects include infertility, gynecomastia, and hair loss; in women, effects such as voice deepening and hirsutism may be permanent.
  
• Adolescents risk premature growth plate closure, leading to stunted growth.
  

5. Prevention and Education

• Drug testing alone has limited deterrent effect.
  
• Well-designed educational programs, especially those introduced early, are the most promising prevention strategy.
  

6. Identification and Intervention

• Athletic trainers should remain attentive to signs of abuse and use tools such as body-image assessments and clinical referrals.
  
• They should engage in open, evidence-based dialogue with athletes, coaches, parents, and other health professionals.
  

Why This Matters for Future Athletic Trainers

For athletic training students, mastering the contents of NATA position statements isn’t just about passing the BOC exam; it’s about building the professional judgment needed to protect athletes’ health and well-being. Understanding the AAS position statement equips them to:

• Recognize and respond to the warning signs of steroid abuse.
  
• Educate athletes, teams, and communities on the risks.
  
• Collaborate with other professionals to support safe, ethical performance practices.
  

Ultimately, knowing these guidelines ensures that athletic trainers uphold their role as advocates for athlete health, safety, and integrity in sport.