ergogenic aids Flashcards
3 pharmacological aids
- Anabolic Steroids
- ‘Recombinant’ EPO (RhEPO)
- Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
what are anabolic steroids
- A group of illegal synthetic hormones which resembles the hormone testosterone.
- They promote protein synthesis, increase muscle growth and improve athletic performance in general.
are anabolic steroids legal or illegal
illegal
how are anabolic steroids taken/administered
- Tablets/Capsules which can be easily swallowed
- Solutions for injection into the muscles
- Cream to be applied onto the muscle
- All methods of use are easily accessible to athletes online and within shops.
how are anabolic steroids detected
detected through urine
+ve effects of anabolic steroids
- Promotes protein synthesis and muscle growth, this increases overall muscle mass and strength
- Decreases fat
- Increases training, intensity, duration, quality and quantity
- Strength and speed of recovery is improved
-ve effects of anabolic steroids
- Can cause irritability, aggression, mood swings/hormonal disturbances, paranoia, acne, liver damage, and kidney failure
- Heart: increased blood pressure, increased risk of heart attack, heart failure
- Female performers can see facial hair growth and a deepened voice
- Males can experience sperm count decrease, hair loss, testes shrink, and breast tissue development
who uses/takes anabolic steroids
- All athletes but benefit maximal explosive strength & power-based performers such as:
- sprinters (Ben Johnson [100m sprinter])
- throwers, baseball (Alex Rodriguez)
- rugby players.
what is ‘Recombinant’ EPO (RhEPO)
- Erythropoietin (EPO) - naturally produced hormone responsible for RBC production.
- ‘Recombinant’ EPO (RhEPO) can be
supplementented to increase RBC
production. - Provides the same effects as altitude
training and blood doping
is ‘Recombinant’ EPO (RhEPO) legal or illegal
illegal
how is ‘Recombinant’ EPO (RhEPO) taken/administered
Injections
how is ‘Recombinant’ EPO (RhEPO) detected
difficult to detect through blood and urine as it is a naturally occurring substance
+ve effects of ‘Recombinant’ EPO (RhEPO)
- Increase RBC and haemoglobin
count - Increased oxygen transport and
aerobic capacity - Increased intensity and duration of
performance before fatigue
-ve effects of ‘Recombinant’ EPO (RhEPO)
- Increased blood viscosity
- Decreased cardiac output
- Increased risk of blood clots and
heart failure - Decreased natural production of
EPO - Heart disease leading to stroke
who uses/takes ‘Recombinant’ EPO (RhEPO)
Benefits endurance/aerobic athletes such as marathon/distance runners, triathletes, and endurance cyclists (Lance Armstrong).
what is Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
- Produced by the pituitary gland to support bone and muscle growth.
- Commonly used for treatment of children with growth hormone deficiencies (e.g. girls with Turner syndrome)
is Human Growth Hormone (HGH) legal or illegal
illegal
how is Human Growth Hormone (HGH) taken/administered
Injections
how is Human Growth Hormone (HGH) detected
difficult to detect due to naturally circulating levels within the body
+ve effects of Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
- Increases muscle mass and strength
- Increased fat metabolism/Decreased fat mass
- Increased blood glucose levels
- Increased intensity/duration of training
- Improved speed of recovery
-ve effects of Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
- Swelling
- Increased risk of diabetes
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Nerve/Muscle/Joint pain
- Numbness and tingling in skin
who uses/takes Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
Benefits power/strength/anaerobic athletes such as:
- rugby (Chris Mayor)
- baseball (Mike Jacobs)
- power/body lifters
