13.5: Drugs In Sport Flashcards
1
Q
Doping definition:
A
- in competitive sports, doping refers to the use of banned performance-enhancing drugs by athletic competitors.
2
Q
What are the reasons for drug taking and doping?
A
- a win at-all-costs attitude which dominates modern-day elite sport.
- the fame and fortune attached to success at elite level (extrinsic rewards/money received for sporting success via prize money; sponsorship deals)
- high levels of pressure to win (coaches may persuade performers to so they can compete others who are)
- the lack of effective deterrents and firm belief that they will get away with it and not get caught.
- poor role models set a bad example that drug taking in certain sports is viewed in some way as being acceptable (e.g. athletics/cycling etc)
- can also be used for psychological reasons: suffering from confidence
3
Q
Methods of enhancement:
A
- anabolic steroids
- beta-blockers
- EPO
4
Q
What are anabolic steroids?
A
- artificially produced hormones
- e.g. THG
5
Q
THG (tetrahydrogestrinone)
A
- a banned steroid used to increase power which was tweaked by chemists to make it undetectable by ‘normal tests’
6
Q
Why are anabolic steroids used?
A
- aid storage of protein and promote muscle growth and development of muscle tissue in the body, leading to increased strength and power.
- they also lead to less fat in the muscle; a lean body weight.
- they can improve the body’s capacity to train for longer at a higher intensity and decrease fatigue associated with training.
7
Q
Which athletes may use anabolic steroids?
A
- beneficial to power athletes such as sprinters.
8
Q
What are the side-effects of anabolic steroids?
A
- liver damage
- heart and immune system problems
- acne and behaviour changes such as aggression, paranoia and mood swings.
9
Q
what are beta-blockers?
A
- help to calm an individual down and decrease anxiety by counteracting the adrenaline that interferes with performance by preventing it from binding to nerve receptors.
10
Q
Why are beta-blockers used?
A
- they can be used to improve accuracy in precision sports through steadying the nerves.
- they calm performance anxiety and aid performance by keeping the heart rate low and decreasing the tremble in the hands.
- they work by widening the arteries, allowing increased blood flow and reducing involuntary muscle spasms.
11
Q
Which athletes may use beta-blockers?
A
- particularly relevant in high precision sports such as archery, snooker and golf
12
Q
What are the side effects of beta-blockers?
A
- tiredness due to low blood pressure and slower heart rate which will affect aerobic capacity.
13
Q
Stimulants definition:
A
- drugs there induce a temporary improvement in mental and physical functions (increase alertness and awareness)
14
Q
Erythropoietin definition:
A
- a hormone which is naturally produced by the kidneys but can also be artificially produced to increase performance in endurance athletes such as long distance cyclists.
15
Q
What are the negative implications to the sport?
A
- threaten integrity of sport
- negatively damages reputation of the sport and decreases interest of it - e.g. athletics and cycling
- Tour de farce (2007)
- provides negative role models for children
