Drugs in Sport - EPO, Beta Blockers, Anabolic Steroids

Question 1

For anabolic steroids
1.What are they
2.Why is it taken
3.Which athletes use them
4.Side effects

Answer 1

1.Artificially produced hormones

2.Increase protein storage
-Promote muscle growth
-Increase strength and power
-increased lean body mass
-quickens recovery time

3. Power and strength athletes
   -Rugby forwards
   -Weightlifters
   -Boxers

4.Liver damage
-heart and immune problems
-acne
-aggression
-paranoia
-mood swings

Question 2

For beta blockers
1.What are they
2.Why is it taken
3.Which athletes use them
4.Side effects

Answer 2

1. A drug that counteracts adrenaline by preventing it from binding to nerve responses

2.Calms an individual down
-improves accuracy
-improves precision
-reduce anxiety
-lower heart rate
-reduces hand trembling
-reduces muscle spasms

3.Precision athletes
-Archers
-Darts players
-Golfers
-Snooker players
-Shooting

4.Tiredness/Lethargy
-low blood pressure
-Reduced aerobic capacity due to lower HR

Question 3

For EPO
1.What are they
2.Why is it taken
3.Which athletes use them
4.Side effects

Answer 3

1. Naturally occurring hormone produced by the kidneys to increase RBC and haemoglobin production. Can be artificially produced.

2.Stimulates RBC growth
-increased no. of capillaries
-increases oxygen carrying capacity in the blood
-delays OBLA
-quicker recovery

3.Endurance athletes
-Long distance runners
-Long distance cyclists

4.Blood clotting due to high blood viscosity
-strokes
-death