Improving performance - ethical issues related to improving performance Flashcards
what are the ethical issues related to improving performance
- use of drugs
- use of technology
what is the issues with the use of drugs
- dangers of performance enhancing drugs
- for strength
- for aerobic performance
- to mask other drugs
- benefits and limitations of drug testing
what are the dangers of performance enhancing drug use
physical effects are drug specific but athletes will also lose their reputation as a hard working athlete they can be; - fired - fined - banned from the sport - lose sponsorship deals
what is an example of an athlete suffering from using performance enhancing drugs
Lance Armstrong lost his titles, reputation was sued and more after being found a drug cheat
what are drug use for strength (human growth hormones)
human growth hormones is a chemical hormone produced by the body for growth + development and doped for strength and power development.
what are the side effects of human growth hormone (for strength)
- diabetes
- excessive bone growth
- heart disease
what are the side effects of anabolic steroids (for strength)
- aggressiveness
- irritability
- acne
- baldness
what are drug use for strength (anabolic steroids)
anabolic steroids are derived from testosterone and have similar effects of human growth hormones on the body they develop; - power - strength - changes body composition
what are drug use for aerobic performance (EPO)
EPO is a naturally occurring hormone in the body released from the kidneys. it is doped to increase red blood cell production
—> this will increase oxygen carrying capacity of blood
what are the side-effects of Diuretics
- dehydration
- dizziness
- poor coordination
- kidney disease
what are the side-effects of EPO (for aerobic performance)
- increased heart disease
- stroke
- cerebral or pulmonary embolism
The mask of other drugs using diuretics
diuretics causes the body to remove water from blood and excrete it as urine. this dilutes urine and makes positive detections of drugs such as anabolic steroids less likely
the mask of other drugs using alcohol
alcohol is a diuretic and a depressant used by athletes to make drugs or slow down the nervous system
what are side-effects of alcohol
- nausea
- loss of consciousness
- blurred vision
what are the benefits of drug testing
- Promoting safety and wellbeing
- Equity in sport
- Protecting reputations
what are limitations of drug testing
- Expensive tests
- Physical exposure of the athlete
- Not all drugs have a test
what are ethical issues related to the use of technology to improve performance
- training innovations
- equipment advances
what are lactate threshold testing : training innovations (use of technology)
speed endurance athletes and endurance athletes need to understand the point where their bodies produce lactic acid quicker than it can be removed
–> characterised by a burning sensation, increased ventilation rate and deteriorating performance
how do lactate threshold testers work (training innovation)
tests are done using treadmills, bicycle ergometer or rowing machines with blood samples being taken at graded levels of intensity
–> this shows rise in lactate levels
this can also be done with the aid of heart rate monitors to establish their level of intensity
what are biochemical analysis (training innovation)
examines how the body moves to explore the various techniques that can be applied to skills to make execution of any movement more skilful + efficient + safe
how does biomechanics analysis work (training innovations)
done through video analysis, using images for comparisons and slow motion replays
–> movements are then explored in detail, problems identified and ways to improve are subjected to a high degree of critical analysis
how is biomechanics analysis beneficial (training innovations)
- less energy is used
- fewer errors are made
- risk of injury is reduced
equipment advances : swimsuits
swimsuit developments main features was to reduce the drag but progressed to improving buoyancy and blood flows to the muscles
what were the features of the swim suit developed by speedo LZR
- fabrics had lowest possible level of friction drag in water –> developed using NASA’s wind tunnel technology
- streamlined shape with corset-like support around lower torso to help swimmers hold best position
- fully bonded seams to reduce drag while allowing full movement and flexibility
what were the issues of swimsuit developments
- some could not afford to develop significant advantages
- technology was seen as not natural skill of athlete and therefore cannot be judged
what event rose the controversy of swimsuits advancements
- 46 records were broken in 2009 world championships
- -> this led to FINA banning high-tech swimsuits + restricted the amount of body allowed covered
- FINA in 2010 banned ‘any device or swimsuit that may aid speed, buoyancy or endurance’
equipment advances : golf balls
The golf ball used today is larger and technology has been able to embed it with the most appropriate number and size of dimples for maximum elevation and distance given the clubhead speed applied by the golfer
what are the benefits of gold ball advances
- Greater control meaning straighter flight
- Lower spin means longer flight
- Harder shell means greater durability and distance
- Improved rubber core meaning greater distance but with a soft feel
what are the ethical considerations of use of technology
Technology has made sports safer, fairer and often easier to perform and increased interest from spectators
- Technology has made the athletes less a part of the performance
- FINA has banned certain swimsuits
- Golf has restriction on the balls and club used competitions
- Motor racing has restrictions on vehicles
