A.3: Non Nutritional Ergogenic Aids

Question 1

A.3.1. Define the term ergogenic aid.

Answer 1

Any substance, phenomenon or device that improves an athletes performance.

Question 2

A.3.2. Describe, with reference to an appropriate example, the placebo effect. (important !!)

Answer 2

A positive effect caused by belief in the placebo, not the placebo itself.

Question 3

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).

Answer 3

• Beta Blockers
• Anabolic steroids
• Diuretics and masking agents
• Stimulants
• Hormones and related substances such as EPO and human growth hormone

Question 4

A.3.4. Discuss why pharmacological substances appear on the list of banned substances.

Answer 4

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

Question 5

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

Answer 5

• Increased muscle mass and strength
• Lower body fat
• Increase hemoglobin content in blood
• Ability to train more frequently and more intensely
• Weight gain

Question 6

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)

Answer 6

• Increased oxygen carrying capacity of blood
• Alterations in cognitive function
• Increased exercise capacity and performance

Question 7

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

Answer 7

• Improved precision and accuracy
• Reduced symptoms of anxiety

Question 8

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

Answer 8

• Weight control
• Physical appearance
• Hiding illicit substances

Question 9

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

Answer 9

• Improved endurance capacity
• Improve performance at various intensity
• Enables muscles to contract with more force, due to a greater release of calcium
• Increases alertness

Question 10

A.3.6. Outline the possible harmful effects of long-term use of anabolic steroids, EPO, beta blockers, caffeine and diuretics.

Caffeine

Answer 10

• Addictive substance
• High doses → heart arrhythmias and mild hallucinations
• Possible links with risks in pregnancy, cancer, calcium level issues and bone health

Question 11

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

Answer 11

Performance affecting symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Muscle Cramps
• Muscle Soreness

Impaired thermoregulatory function:

• Diuretics reduce the volume of plasma in the blood.
• Electrolyte loss

Question 12

A.3.6. Outline the possible harmful effects of long-term use of anabolic steroids, EPO, beta blockers, caffeine and diuretics.

Beta blockers

Answer 12

• 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

Question 13

A.3.6. Outline the possible harmful effects of long-term use of anabolic steroids, EPO, beta blockers, caffeine and diuretics.

Anabolic steroids

Answer 13

• Increased LDL cholesterol
• Shrinkage of testicles
• Disruption to menstrual cycle
• Liver cancer
• Increases occurrence of acne
• Depression
• Mood changes
• Gynocomastia
• Voice change in women

Question 14

A.3.6. Outline the possible harmful effects of long-term use of anabolic steroids, EPO, beta blockers, caffeine and diuretics.

rEPO

Answer 14

• Increased blood pressure
• Viscosity of blood → blood clots, stroke, heart failure or heart attack