16.2 – Pharmacological and Physiological Aids

Question 1

Drug Testing Protocols (WADA)

Answer 1

Testing: Athletes are tested for drugs both during and outside of competition. National and international athletes can be tested anytime.
Penalties: Testing positive for banned drugs results in disqualification and possible bans from future competitions.
Banned Substances: Includes drugs like anabolic steroids, painkillers, and blood doping. The Prohibited List is updated every year by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency).

Question 2

Pain Masking Drugs

Answer 2

• Purpose: Reduce or block pain, allowing athletes to continue competing despite injuries.
• Examples: Opioids, corticosteroids, NSAIDs.
• Risks: Mask injuries, leading to further damage; addiction; side effects like drowsiness or stomach ulcers.

Question 3

Anabolic Steroids

Answer 3

• Purpose: Increase muscle mass, strength, and recovery speed.
• How It Works: Mimics testosterone, stimulating muscle growth.
• Risks: Liver damage, cardiovascular issues, hormonal imbalances, mood swings.

Question 4

Prohormones

Answer 4

• Purpose: Precursors to anabolic steroids; convert to hormones like testosterone in the body.
• Examples: Androstenedione, DHEA.
• Risks: Similar to anabolic steroids; banned by WADA.

Question 5

Human Growth Hormone (HGH)

Answer 5

• Purpose: Promotes growth, cell regeneration, and recovery.
• How It Works: Stimulates protein synthesis and increases muscle mass.
• Risks: Joint pain, insulin resistance, abnormal bone growth (acromegaly).

Question 6

Erythropoietin (EPO)

Answer 6

• Purpose: Enhances red blood cell production to improve oxygen delivery to muscles.
• How It Works: Increases endurance by boosting hemoglobin levels.
• Risks: Thickens blood, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots.

Question 7

Physiological Aids

Blood Doping

Answer 7

• Purpose: Boosts endurance by increasing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
• How It Works: Involves transfusing red blood cells (autologous or from a donor) or using EPO.
• Risks: Infections, blood clots, heart strain.

Question 8

Physiological Aids

Drug Masking

Answer 8

• Purpose: Hides the presence of banned substances during drug testing.
• Examples: Diuretics to dilute urine, chemical masking agents.
• Risks: Severe dehydration, kidney damage, and additional penalties for tampering with testing.