Ergogenic aids

Question 1

Outline how blood doping is carried out, and give one physiological benefit and one risk. (3 marks)

Answer 1

Blood is removed from athlete, stored and then reinjected into athlete 4 weeks later. One benefit is more RBCs so more oxygen can be transported. One risk is an increase in blood viscosity

Question 2

EQ. Evaluate nutritional ergogenic aids that help the recovery process (10 marks)

Answer 2

• glycogen loading is when you have a high meal in carbs to maximise the stores of glycogen in your muscles
• and therefore increases endurance
• pre-event meals are also important
• 3.5-2.5 hours before an event
• eat slow releasing complex carbs
• e.g pasta and rice
• 2.5-2 hour before the event
• eat fast releasing simple carbs
• e.g an energy bar
• drink energy drinks
• to replenish electrolytes lost
• drink caffeine
• to stimulise metabolism

Question 3

EQ. Outline the timing and composition of pre-event meals an endurance athlete may use in the hours leading up to their event (5 marks)

Answer 3

• eat a high carb meal
• 3.5-2.5 hours before event
• slow releasing complex carbs
• 2.5-1 hour before event
• fast releasing simple carbs

Question 4

EQ. Identify one pharmacological aid that would enhance performance in weight lifting and a negative side effect. (2 marks)

Answer 4

• anabolic steroids

- liver damage

Question 5

EQ. Explain the benefits and possible drawbacks of hydration to improve performance. (3 marks)

Answer 5

+ve prevents dehydration
+ve regulates body temperature
-ve nausea

Question 6

EQ. Explain the benefits and possible drawbacks of caffeine to improve performance. (3 marks)

Answer 6

+ve increases nervous stimulation
+ve increases fat breakdown
-ve anxiety/ dehydration