Performance enhancement & ergogenic aids Flashcards
What is the definition of an “ergogenic aid”?
An “ergogenic aid” is a substance or technique used to improve athletic performance by enhancing physiological, psychological, or biomechanical functions. The term “ergogenic” itself means work producing
What are some examples of categories of ergogenic aids discussed in the sources?
The sources discuss ergogenic aids related to weight/strength gain (growth promoting, protein synthesis) and weight loss/aerobic performance.
What are some examples of substances listed under “Weight/strength gain (growth promoting, protein synthesis)” ergogenics?
Examples include anabolic steroids, prohormones (like Androstenedione), DHEA/S, growth hormone (GH), β-hydroxy- β-methylbutyrate (HMB), and β2-adrenergic agonists (bronchodilators such as clenbuterol, salbutamol, albuterol)
How do prohormones function as ergogenic aids?
Prohormones circulate in the blood in an inactive form, ready to turn on. Androstenedione (Andro) is mentioned as a precursor to testosterone, and DHEA/S turns into Testosterone
How might β-hydroxy- β-methylbutyrate (HMB) act as an ergogenic aid?
β-hydroxy- β-methylbutyrate (HMB) stimulates muscle
How do β2-adrenergic agonists like clenbuterol, salbutamol, and albuterol function as ergogenic aids?
These drugs are bronchodilators that can also stimulate muscle mass, particularly in the elderly.
What are some examples of pharmaceutical agents used for weight loss/aerobic performance enhancement?
Examples include thermogenic drugs (like ephedrine or ephedrine/caffeine/aspirin cocktails) and anorexiant drugs (like fenfluramine and fluoxetine, which cause loss of appetite)
Besides pharmaceutical agents, what other substances are mentioned for weight loss/aerobic performance?
Nicotine is mentioned as an appetite suppressant, and diuretics are used for rapid weight loss
How do thermogenic drugs like caffeine and ephedrine work?
Caffeine and ephedrine stimulate the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which is a major regulator of thermogenesis
What are the types of adrenergic receptors stimulated by the SNS, and where are they located?
The SNS stimulates α receptors, including α1 (found in the heart and vascular smooth muscle) and α2 (found in presynaptic terminals and vascular and other smooth muscle cells), and β receptors, including β1, β2, and β3 (found in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels). This system is similar to the fight or flight system.
What are some physiological effects of SNS stimulation relevant to performance?
SNS stimulation can lead to vasodilation to working muscles, and it can increase fat burning
Name some examples of SNS stimulants.
Examples include adrenaline/epinephrine, noradrenaline/norepinephrine, amphetamine, and ephedrine
According to the Prohibited List 2017, what are some potential benefits and risks associated with CNS stimulants like ephedrine/pseudoephedrine?
Potential benefits include weight loss, improved reaction time/acceleration/speed, strength/power/muscular endurance, possibly improved aerobic endurance, higher max HR and peak lactate at exhaustion, and better focus. Risks include death, cardiac arrhythmias, delayed sensation of fatigue, extreme nervousness, aggressive behavior, and insomnia
What is the mechanism of action of ephedrine?
Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic substance that stimulates the SNS. It is also a stimulant that can prevent low blood pressure
How does pseudoephedrine compare to ephedrine? Where can it be found?
Ephedrine is more effective than pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine is available over the counter in products like Sudafed or Primatene as a decongestant. The herb má huáng (Ephedra sinica) contains both ephedrine and pseudoephedrine and is classified as a herb (dietary supplement)
What are the proposed effects of ephedrine and amphetamines?
Ephedrine and amphetamines are sympathomimetic, meaning they stimulate α and β receptors. Ephedrine has both thermogenic and appetite suppressive effects, leading to weight loss
What other potential benefits of ephedrine are mentioned regarding body composition during calorie restriction?
Ephedrine prevents loss of fat-free mass (FFM) during restriction, may be protein sparing, and may influence protein synthesis. It may also prevent a drop in resting metabolic rate (RMR) with restriction.
What did the study by Shekelle et al. (JAMA 2003) suggest about ephedrine for weight loss?
The study suggested that ephedrine can lead to high-quality weight loss while maintaining muscle mass
What is the synergistic effect of ephedrine and caffeine on weight loss?
There is a synergistic effect of ephedrine and caffeine. Studies by Shekelle et al. (JAMA 2003) showed a tendency for a dose effect for ephedrine, with higher doses showing more weight loss (though not always statistically significant). Combining more ephedra with caffeine leads to more weight loss, and vice versa. Overall, the effect is more effective for weight loss when both ephedrine and caffeine are combined, resulting in higher monthly weight loss
What are some common and serious side effects of ephedrine (Ephedra)?
Common side effects include tremors, nervousness, increased BP and HR. More serious side effects include MI (myocardial infarction/heart attack), stroke, and seizures. Ephedra-containing products accounted for a high percentage of adverse reactions to herbs in the US and have been linked to deaths and permanent disabilities. It has been banned in diet drugs since 2004
What are the WADA prohibited urine concentrations for ephedrine and pseudoephedrine as of 2010?
WADA 2010 prohibited urine concentrations are >10 μg/mL for ephedrine and >150 μg/mL for pseudoephedrine.
Where is caffeine commonly found?
Caffeine is found mostly in coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa beans, and cola nuts.
What is the typical pharmacokinetic profile of caffeine after consumption?
Caffeine typically reaches its peak in the blood about 60 minutes after consumption, and its half-life ranges from 2 to 10 hours.
What are the proposed effects of caffeine on mental and physical performance?
Caffeine is proposed to increase mental awareness, reduce the perception of fatigue, increase central drive, and increase fiber recruitment.
How does caffeine affect adenosine receptors?
Caffeine acts as an adenosine receptor antagonist. Adenosine binding to its receptors slows neural activity and makes one feel sleepy, so caffeine inhibits this effect and stimulates metabolism
How does caffeine influence noradrenaline levels?
Caffeine reduces the negative feedback that inhibits the secretion of noradrenaline, meaning the body keeps secreting this neurotransmitter
What are some other physiological effects attributed to caffeine?
Caffeine relaxes smooth muscles (leading to increased blood flow), increases intestinal CHO absorption, and may help stimulate the adrenal medulla to release adrenaline (hormone). It also increases lipolysis (from adipocytes), leading to increased free fatty acids (FFA) and fat
How is caffeine metabolized in the liver? What are its primary metabolites and their effects?
Caffeine is metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 oxidase enzyme into three main metabolites:
* Paraxanthine (84%): Has the effect of increasing lipolysis, leading to elevated glycerol and free fatty acid levels in the blood plasma.
* Theobromine (12%): Dilates blood vessels and increases urine volume. It is also the principal alkaloid in cocoa and chocolate.
* Theophylline (4%): Relaxes smooth muscles of the bronchi and is used to treat asthma
What have short-term studies shown regarding caffeine and weight loss?
Short-term studies have shown that 100mg of caffeine increased resting oxygen consumption by 3–4% in both lean and postobese subjects.
What have long-term studies indicated about caffeine’s effect on weight loss?
Long-term studies suggest that caffeine alone does not seem to result in much more weight loss than placebo
How does chronic caffeine use affect its ergogenic benefits?
In long-term users, the body is already used to the effects, so there may be no additional benefits
What are the general findings regarding caffeine’s impact on VO2max, maximal strength, and endurance?
Caffeine generally shows no benefits on VO2max and maximal strength. However, it shows benefits on submaximal aerobic and anaerobic endurance, often increasing the time to fatigue at a certain intensity
Who is likely to experience a greater impact from caffeine use?
Individuals who are not regular caffeine users are likely to experience a greater impact than those who are
What are some potential side effects of caffeine?
Side effects can include increased HR, being a diuretic (though not commonly a problem with exercise), different reactions in regular vs. non-users, potential interference with the absorption of vitamin C and iron, possible links to bone mineral density and osteoporosis, and insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
What is a rare but serious potential consequence of very high caffeine doses?
In very high doses, caffeine has been associated with death due to caffeine-induced arrhythmia.
When was caffeine removed from the WADA prohibited list?
Caffeine was removed from the WADA prohibited list in 2004.
What is creatine, and what are its main effects?
The source mentions “Creatine good data behind it”. The take-home message is that creatine + resistance training (RT) increases muscle mass and strength in older (57+) adults
What are anabolic steroids, and what are their clinical uses?
Anabolic steroids are synthetic substances similar to testosterone. Clinically, they are used to treat delayed puberty, osteoporosis (to increase bone strength), and anemia (to increase RBC count and %Hb).
What are the performance-enhancing effects of anabolic steroids?
Anabolic steroids increase muscle size/strength and can reduce recovery time between periods of strenuous activity. However, they have no effect on endurance or stamina and can stimulate the brain to stimulate feelings of euphoria.
What are some side effects associated with anabolic steroid use?
Side effects include increased aggressive behaviour, acne, body hair, interference with the natural production of testosterone with prolonged use, hypertension, atherosclerosis, blood clotting, and reduced fertility
When did the IOC ban anabolic steroids? What is the effect size of anabolic steroids on strength and lean mass?
The IOC placed anabolic steroids on their list of banned substances in 1975. They have a small effect size on strength but a medium effect size on lean mass, with a big effect on muscle mass overall.
Define “doping in sport.”
Doping in sport refers to “the presence of prohibited substances or methods to unfairly improve their sporting performances and gain an advantage over their competitors”
What are some reasons why athletes might engage in doping?
Reasons include the belief that competitors take drugs, the feeling of needing them to be competitive, dissatisfaction with size/weight, peer/team pressure, community attitudes and expectations, and financial rewards and media influenc
What are some historical examples of doping leading to death in sports?
The source mentions cyclist Arthur Linton in 1896 who suffered a heart attack following a stimulant overdose. It also notes that during the early 1900s, athletes (especially cyclists) consumed “bomb” during races
What are the main categories of prohibited substances and methods according to the Prohibited List 2017?
Prohibited substances include non-approved substances, anabolic agents, peptide hormones, growth factors & related substances, beta-2 antagonists, hormone antagonists & metabolic modulators, and diuretics & masking agents. Prohibited methods include manipulation of blood & blood components (enhancement of oxygen transfer) and chemical or physical manipulation
What are some examples of substances prohibited in competition only, and what sports have specific prohibitions?
Alcohol is prohibited in some sports as it can lead to impaired performance (reduced reaction time, hand-eye coordination, accuracy, balance, complex coordination, and regulation of body temperature, and may also reduce strength, power, speed, cardiovascular endurance, and healing of injuries). It is specifically banned in sports like snowboarding and ski jumping if it reduces performance. Beta-blockers are prohibited in specific sports like archery, automobile, billiards, darts, golf, shooting, skiing/snowboarding, and underwater sports due to their calming effect by blocking the release of noradrenaline and reducing heart rate, which can stabilize motor performance and reduce anxiety.
What are some examples of mainstream media that have covered the topic of doping in sport?
Examples include the documentary Icarus (during the Russian athlete doping scandal), Pumping Iron (before steroid use went out of favor), and The Program (about Lance Armstrong).
What are some critical evaluation questions to consider when assessing nutrition supplement studies?
Key questions include: Does the study have a clear hypothesis? Was the study on cells, tissues, animals or humans? Was the population for which the claims are made comparable to the population in the study? Were external variables controlled? Was the study placebo controlled? Were adequate techniques used? Were the trials randomized? Was a crossover design used? Do other studies confirm the findings? Was the study peer-reviewed? By whom was it funded?. The source also emphasizes that similar structures don’t automatically mean benefits for humans and asks can it be replicated?.
