ergogenic aids Flashcards
what are anabolic steroids
Testosterone derivatives that promote protein synthesis for growth and repair of various tissues throughout the body.
benefits of anabolic steroids
•Increased muscle mass, strength and power
•Promotes recovery
•Ability to train at a higher intensity for longer
•Can speed up rehab from soft tissue injuries
risks of anabolic steroids
•Liver damage or cancer.
•Increased blood pressure.
•Raised LDL cholesterol.
•Shrinking of testicles, Reduced sperm count, Breast enlargement (Males).
•Development of facial hair, Deepening of voice (Female).
who would use anabolic steroids
High intensity, short duration performers:
•Weightlifters
•Sprinters (Case Study)
•Throwers
Power positions in team sports
•Rugby
•NFL
what is EPO
A synthetic version of the hormone secreted by the kidneys that increases the rate of production of red blood cells
benefits of EPO
•Increased red blood cell and haemoglobin count
•Increased oxygen carrying capacity of the blood
•Increased VO2 max
•Delayed OBLA/Lactate Threshold/Fatigue
risks of EPO
• increases blood viscosity
•decreased blood flow or cardiac output
• increased risk of blood clot; heart failure and stroke
• decreased natural production of EPO from kidney
who would use EPO
Endurance performers who rely on the supply of oxygen to muscle for aerobic respiration:
•Road Cyclists
•Distance Runners
•Triathletes
what are human growth hormones
A synthetic version of the hormone secreted by the pituitary gland to increase muscle mass
benefits of human growth hormones
•Increased muscles mass, strength and power
•Decreased fat mass
•Increased glucose levels
•Stimulate bone, cartilage and muscle growth
•Can speed up rehab from soft tissue damage
risks of human growth hormones
•Hypertrophy of internal organs
•Abnormal bone growth
•Bone thickening deformities
•Increased risk of diabetes; high blood pressure and cancer
who would use human growth hormones
Mostly anaerobic performers but also some aerobic performers:
•Weightlifters
•Athletes
•Team Game Performers
blood doping
Artificially boosting the red blood cell count by infusing it into the body
benefits of blood doping
•Increased red blood cell and haemoglobin count
•Increased oxygen carrying capacity of the blood
•Increased VO2 max
•Delayed OBLA/Lactate Threshold/ Fatigue
risks of blood doping
•Increased blood viscosity
•Decreased blood flow or cardiac output
•Increased risk of Blood clots; Heart Failure, Strokes
•Increased risk of blood viruses: hepatitis, HIV.
who would blood dope
Endurance performers who rely on the supply of oxygen to muscle for aerobic respiration:
•Road Cyclists
•Distance Runners
•Triathletes
what is intermittent hypoxic training
High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) performed in hypoxic conditions (mask/chamber)
benefits of intermittent hypoxic training
•Used to pre-acclimatise for a competition at altitude
•Increased VO2 max
•Increased glycolytic enzyme activity
•Increased speed of PC resynthesises during fast component of EPOC
•Enhances speed, power and RSA
•Delayed OBLA/Lactate Threshold/ Fatigue
risks intermittent hypoxic training
•No direct risks from the training but many studies doubt the benefits.
•Potential risks would surround overtraining and injuries or risk of hypoxia which would increase chances of illness or muscular issues.
who would use intermittent hypoxic training
Training in hypoxic conditions has traditionally been associated with enhancing performance in endurance activities. However, IHT will enhance speed, power and RSA so it is also used by anaerobic athletes and games players.
what are cooling aids
A variety of products used to reduce core body temperature pre-event, reduce swelling in soft issue injuries and promote recovery post-event.
benefits of cooling aids
•Pre-event cooling e.g. ice vests or wraps worn between 8-30 minutes before event.
Allows exercise intensity to be sustained by reducing cardiovascular strain due to increased
core body temperature.
•Post-event cooling to promote recovery e.g. ice baths.
Reduce swelling due to microscopic tears in muscle fibres causing DOMS.
Benefit removal of lactic acid.
•Post-event cooling to treat injuries e.g. ice packs or ’game ready’ systems.