ERGOGENIC AIDS

Question 1

What is an ‘ergogenic aid’?

Answer 1

It is a substance, object or method used to improve the performance of an athlete.

Question 2

Why are Pharmacological aids taken?

Answer 2

Pharmacological aids are taken to increase the levels of hormones or neurotransmitters naturally produced by the body, most of which are illegal.

Question 3

What are examples of Pharmacological aids?

Answer 3

ANABOLIC STEROIDS
ERYTHROPOIETIN (EPO)
HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE (HGH)

Question 4

What are anabolic steroids?

Answer 4

They are a group of synthetic hormones which resemble the male hormone testosterone and are taken to promote protein synthesis and muscle growth. Available in tablet, capsule, solution (injection) and cream form.

Question 5

Who uses anabolic steroids?

Answer 5

This type of substance is associated with maximal and explosive strength based performers such as sprinters, throwers, baseball and rugby players.

Question 6

Performance benefits of anabolic steroids?

Answer 6

Increased muscle mass and strength

• Increased speed of recovery
• Increased intensity and duration of training

Question 7

Risks of anabolic steroids?

Answer 7

Irritability, aggression and mood swings
Liver damage, heart failure
Acne and hormonal disturbances

Question 8

Are anabolic steroids allowed?

Answer 8

Anabolic steroids are banned in and out of competition – they are also fairly easy to detect through urine samples.

Question 9

What is ERYTHROPOIETIN (EPO)?

Answer 9

EPO is a naturally produced hormone responsible for the production of red blood cells.
A synthetic copy ‘RhEPO’ (Recombinant) can be supplemented to increase red blood cell production.

Question 10

How is EPO used?

Answer 10

When athletes inject it, the increase red blood cell count increased oxygen capacity/transport and aerobic capacity.

Question 11

Benefits of EPO?

Answer 11

Increased red blood cell and haemoglobin count
Increased oxygen transport and aerobic capacity
Increased intensity and duration of performance before fatigue

Question 12

Who uses EPO?

Answer 12

EPO is associated with endurance athletes such as marathon runners, triathletes and most notably – Tour de France cyclists!

Question 13

What are the risks of EPO?

Answer 13

Increase in blood viscosity
Decreased cardiac output
Increased risk of blood clots
Increased risk of heart failure
Decrease in the natural production of EPO.

Question 14

Is EPO legal?

Answer 14

EPO is illegal to use both in and out of competition.

- It is also very difficult to detect through blood and urine samples!

Question 15

What is HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE (HGH)?

Answer 15

HGH is a synthetic product copying the naturally produced growth hormone.
As the natural hormone decreases with age, the synthetic product increases protein synthesis for muscle growth, recovery and repair.

Question 16

Who uses HGH?

Answer 16

Performers associated with this are maximal and explosive strength athletes such as power lifters, bodybuilders, sprinters, and throwers.

Question 17

Is HGH easy to detect?

Answer 17

HGH is also difficult to detect due to naturally occurring levels in the blood – some athletes prefer this method over testosterone as there are fewer side effects!

Question 18

Benefits of HGH?

Answer 18

Increased muscle mass and strength

• Increased fat metabolism and decreased fat mass
• Increase blood glucose levels
• Increased speed of recovery
• Increased intensity and duration of training

Question 19

Risks of HGH?

Answer 19

Abnormal bone and muscle development
Enlargement of the vital organs leading to potential organ failure
Increased risk of cancers and diabetes