4 Types of Ergogenic Aids and examples of each (Nutritional, Pharmacological, Physiological, Technological)

Question 1

Technological

Answer 1

• Tools and Devices for Enhancing Athletic Performance
  
  • Sport Clothing and Footwear
    
    • Specialized gear for comfort, speed, or support.
    • Examples: moisture-wicking fabric, aerodynamic suits, lightweight shoes.
  • Equipment
    
    • Advanced designs for improved performance.
    • Examples: carbon fiber bikes, high-tech tennis rackets.
  • Computers and Apps
    
    • Track performance and provide training programs.
    • Examples: fitness tracking apps, AI-based coaching software.
  • Timing Devices
    
    • Precision tools for measuring speed or time.
    • Examples: electronic stopwatches, laser timing systems.
  • Digital Video Recorders
    
    • Analyze technique and improve skills.
    • Example: slow-motion playback for form correction.
  • Heart Rate Monitors
    
    • Track heart rate for optimal training and recovery.

Question 2

Nutritional Supplements

vitamins, minerals, herbs

Answer 2

• Athlete Supplements
  
  • Common supplements: Vitamins D, E, calcium, iron, echinacea, garlic, probiotics, fish oils.
  • Belief: Supplements improve performance or meet nutrient demands.
  • Reality: No strong evidence supports performance benefits from supplements.
  • Best Approach: A healthy, balanced diet is safer, cheaper, and more effective.

Question 3

Nutritional Supplements

Protein and Amino Acid Supplements

Answer 3

• Examples: Protein powders, bars, drinks.
• Claims: Build muscle, increase strength, promote weight loss.
• Reality: Excess protein is burned, stored as fat, or excreted.
• Limit: 2g protein/kg body weight is the maximum usable; excess is wasted.
• Food is a better, cheaper alternative with added nutrients.

Question 4

Nutritional Supplements

Carnitine

Answer 4

• Marketed as a “fat burner” to reduce lactate, delay fatigue, and burn fat.
• Found in meat, fish, milk, poultry.
• No proven performance benefit.**

Question 5

Nutritional Supplements

Creatine

Answer 5

• Boosts short-term, high-intensity performance by replenishing ATP (energy).
• Works for fast-twitch muscles; excess is excreted.
• No effect on maximal strength; safety in teenagers is unproven.

Question 6

Nutritional Supplements

Caffeine

Answer 6

• Commonly used to enhance focus and endurance.
• Moderate doses can improve performance but may cause jitteriness or dehydration.

Question 7

Pharmacological Aids

Answer 7

• Drugs used to boost athletic performance.
• Illegal examples: amphetamines, anabolic steroids.

Question 8

Pharmacological Aids

Pain Masking Drugs

Answer 8

• 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 9

Pharmacological Aids

Anabolic Steroids

Answer 9

• 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 10

Pharmacological Aids

Prohormones

Answer 10

• 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 11

Pharmacological Aids

Human Growth Hormone (HGH)

Answer 11

• 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 12

Pharmacological Aids

Erythropoietin (EPO)

Answer 12

• 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 13

Physiological Aids

Blood Doping

Answer 13

• 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 14

Physiological Aids

Drug Masking

Answer 14

• 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.