Ergogenic Aids - Physiological Aids

Question 1

Define blood doping

Answer 1

Blood doping is the process of artificially increasing the red blood cell count by infusing blood into the body

Question 2

Define 3 pros of blood doping

Answer 2

1. Increased red blood cell and haemoglobin count
2. Increased O2 carrying capacity of the blood
3. Increased VO2 max

Question 3

Name 3 cons of blood doping

Answer 3

1. Increased blood viscosity
2. Increased risk of blood clots
3. Increased risk of blood viruses

Question 4

Define intermittent hypoxic training (IHT)

Answer 4

High intensity interval training performed in hypoxic conditions either with an exercise mask or in a hypoxic chamber

Question 5

Name 3 pros of intermittent hypoxic training (IHT)

Answer 5

1. Increased glycolytic enzyme activity
2. Increased buffering capacity
3. Delayed OBLA

Question 6

Name 2 cons with intermittent hypoxic training (IHT)

Answer 6

1. Most studies of IHT don’t prove the potential benefits

2. The risks will depend on the volume, intensity and frequency of training

Question 7

Define cooling aids

Answer 7

Cooling aids are a variety of products used to cool the core body temperature before an event, reduce swelling of soft tissue injures and to promote recovery post-event

Question 8

Name 3 pros of using cooling aids

Answer 8

1. Reduces cardio-vascular strain so can continue for longer
2. Reduces swelling of microscopic tears in the muscles that causes DOMS
3. Benefits the removal of lactic acid

Question 9

Name 3 cons of using cooling aids

Answer 9

1. Mask injury so can cause a more serious injury
2. Causes vasoconstriction so reduces blood flow
3. Risk of getting ice burns

Question 10

Define hypoxic conditions

Answer 10

Conditions where the body tissue is deprived of adequate O2

Question 11

Define buffering capacity

Answer 11

Buffering capacity is the bodies ability to resist changes in pH or the effects of lactate on the body

Question 12

Define repeated sprint ability (RSA)

Answer 12

RSA is the ability to recover anaerobically and mentain maximal effort during subsequent sprinting

Question 13

Define exercise mask

Answer 13

A mask work during HIT to stimulate hypoxia

Question 14

Define ‘game ready’ systems

Answer 14

A system that circulates cold water around an injured joint/limb while also keeping intermittent compression