6.7. Ergogenic Aids Flashcards
What is an ergogenic aid?
A technique or substance used to enhance performance or recovery.
What is a pharmacological aid?
A supplement or drug that enhances performance by increasing the levels of hormones naturally produced by the body.
What are examples of pharmacological aids?
- anabolic steroids
- EPO
- human growth hormone
What are anabolic steroids?
Testosterone derivatives that promote protein synthesis for growth and repair of various tissues throughout the body
What are the benefits of anabolic steroids?
- increased muscle mass, strength and power
- promotes recovery
- ability to train at higher intensity for longer
- can speed up rehab from soft tissue injury
What are the risks of anabolic steroids?
- liver damage or cancer
- increased blood pressure
- raised LDL cholesterol
- (males) shrinking of testicles
- (males) reduced sperm content
- (males) breast enlargement
- (females) development of facial hair
- (females) deepening of voice
When may anabolic steroids be used?
for high intensity, short duration sports
What is EPO?
A synthetic version of the hormone secreted but the kidneys that increases the rate of production of RBCs
What are the benefits of EPO?
- increased RBC and haemoglobin count
- increased O2 carrying capacity of the blood
- increased VO2 max
- delayed OBLA/lactate threshold/ fatigue
What are the risks of EPO?
- increased blood viscosity
- decreased blood flow or cardiac output
- increased risk of:
- blood clots
- heart failure
- stroke - natural production of EPO by kidneys
When may EPO be used?
Mostly endurance performers who rely on the supply of O2 to muscles for aerobic respiration
What is human growth hormone?
A synthetic version of the hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that increase muscle mass.
What are the benefits of HGH?
- increased muscle mass, strength and power
- increased fat free mass/ decreased fat mass
- increased glucose levels
- stimulate bone, cartilage and muscle growth
- can speed up rehabilitation from soft tissue injury
What are the risks of HGH?
- hypertrophy of internal organs
- abnormal bone growth
- bone thickening deformities
- increased risk of:
- diabetes
- high blood pressure
- cancer
When may HGH be used?
Mostly anaerobic performers but also some aerobic performers
