A clinical trial published in JAMA Network Open revealed that applying testosterone gel alongside exercise did not improve physical function in older women recovering from hip fractures. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and other institutions, aimed to test whether testosterone could augment the benefits of exercise during rehabilitation. Despite initial hopes, the results showed no significant added value compared to a placebo.
Hip fractures are a major health concern for older women, often leading to prolonged pain, reduced mobility, and increased risk of future fractures. More than 200,000 American women experience hip fractures annually, with most struggling to regain full independence. To address this, researchers designed the STEP-HI trial, involving 129 women aged 65 and older who had recently undergone hip fracture surgery. Participants were divided into groups receiving either testosterone gel or a placebo, combined with supervised exercise.
The findings indicated that testosterone gel did not enhance overall physical function. However, researchers noted minor improvements in short-distance mobility and reduced reliance on walking aids among the testosterone group. These subtle effects may warrant further investigation, though the primary outcome was clear: testosterone did not provide the anticipated benefits.
Dr. Jay Magaziner, a co-author of the study, emphasized, “The addition of testosterone to exercise is not a useful method of improving physical function in this group of women.” Dr. Denise Orwig added, “While the results are disappointing, they underscore the importance of exercise in recovery.” Dr. Ellen Binder highlighted a potential silver lining, noting that the observed improvements in short-distance mobility might merit additional research.
The study underscores the challenges of treating hip fractures in older women and reinforces the critical role of exercise in rehabilitation. While testosterone gel showed limited promise in specific areas, its overall impact was negligible. Future research may explore whether targeted hormonal therapies could offer partial benefits, but for now, exercise remains the cornerstone of recovery.
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