A.3: Non Nutritional Ergogenic Aids Flashcards
A.3.1. Define the term ergogenic aid.
Any substance, phenomenon or device that improves an athletes performance.
A.3.2. Describe, with reference to an appropriate example, the placebo effect. (important !!)
A positive effect caused by belief in the placebo, not the placebo itself.
A.3.3. List five classes of non- nutritional ergogenic aids that are currently banned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
- Beta Blockers
- Anabolic steroids
- Diuretics and masking agents
- Stimulants
- Hormones and related substances such as EPO and human growth hormone
A.3.4. Discuss why pharmacological substances appear on the list of banned substances.
Prohibited if meets any of these criteria:
- Has potential to enhance sport performance
- Represents potential or actual risk to heath of the athelete
- Violates spirit of the sport
A.3.5. Discuss the proposed and actual benefits that some athletes would hope to gain by using anabolic steroids, erythropoietin (EPO), beta blockers, caffeine and diuretics.
Anabolic steriods
- Increased muscle mass and strength
- Lower body fat
- Increase hemoglobin content in blood
- Ability to train more frequently and more intensely
- Weight gain
A.3.5. Discuss the proposed and actual benefits that some athletes would hope to gain by using anabolic steroids, erythropoietin (EPO), beta blockers, caffeine and diuretics.
Recombinant Erythropoietin (rEPO)
- Increased oxygen carrying capacity of blood
- Alterations in cognitive function
- Increased exercise capacity and performance
A.3.5. Discuss the proposed and actual benefits that some athletes would hope to gain by using anabolic steroids, erythropoietin (EPO), beta blockers, caffeine and diuretics.
Beta Blockers
- Improved precision and accuracy
- Reduced symptoms of anxiety
A.3.5. Discuss the proposed and actual benefits that some athletes would hope to gain by using anabolic steroids, erythropoietin (EPO), beta blockers, caffeine and diuretics.
Diuretics and Masking agents
- Weight control
- Physical appearance
- Hiding illicit substances
A.3.5. Discuss the proposed and actual benefits that some athletes would hope to gain by using anabolic steroids, erythropoietin (EPO), beta blockers, caffeine and diuretics.
Caffeine
- Improved endurance capacity
- Improve performance at various intensity
- Enables muscles to contract with more force, due to a greater release of calcium
- Increases alertness
A.3.6. Outline the possible harmful effects of long-term use of anabolic steroids, EPO, beta blockers, caffeine and diuretics.
Caffeine
- Addictive substance
- High doses → heart arrhythmias and mild hallucinations
- Possible links with risks in pregnancy, cancer, calcium level issues and bone health
A.3.6. Outline the possible harmful effects of long-term use of anabolic steroids, EPO, beta blockers, caffeine and diuretics.
Diuretics and masking agents
Performance affecting symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Muscle Cramps
- Muscle Soreness
Impaired thermoregulatory function:
- Diuretics reduce the volume of plasma in the blood.
- Electrolyte loss
A.3.6. Outline the possible harmful effects of long-term use of anabolic steroids, EPO, beta blockers, caffeine and diuretics.
Beta blockers
- Brachycardia - Abnormally low heart rate
- Hypotension - Low blood pressure
- Cardiac Failure - In those with underlying heart conditions
- Hypoglycemia – low blood sugar (type 2 diabetics)
- Heart Arrhythmias - Abnormal heart rhythm. Can be life threatening
- Dizziness or light headedness due to low blood pressure
A.3.6. Outline the possible harmful effects of long-term use of anabolic steroids, EPO, beta blockers, caffeine and diuretics.
Anabolic steroids
- Increased LDL cholesterol
- Shrinkage of testicles
- Disruption to menstrual cycle
- Liver cancer
- Increases occurrence of acne
- Depression
- Mood changes
- Gynocomastia
- Voice change in women
A.3.6. Outline the possible harmful effects of long-term use of anabolic steroids, EPO, beta blockers, caffeine and diuretics.
rEPO
- Increased blood pressure
- Viscosity of blood → blood clots, stroke, heart failure or heart attack
