Performance Enhancing Drugs Flashcards
What are the 3 main PEDs
Anabolic steroids
EPO (Erythropoietin)
Beta blocker
What are anabolic steroids?
Artificially produced substances that mimic testosterone (a male hormone)
Why are anabolic steroids used
To increase muscle mass and strength
To reduce recovery time after injury or intense training
To enhance performance by allowing the performer to train harder and more frequently
To aid storage of protein and promote muscle growth
Who/what sports uses anabolic steroids?
Sports involving strength or power
Weightlifting and powerlifting
Rugby and American football
Bodybuilding (for achieving a more muscular physique)
What are the physical side effects of anabolic steroids
Liver damage or failure
High blood pressure
Heart problems
Severe acne
Hormone imbalances (eg males grow breast tissue and masculinisation happens in females)
What are the psychological effects of anabolic steroids
Aggression - known as roid rage
Depression
Mood swings
Addiction
What are beta blockers
A type of medication which reduces heart rate by blocking the effects of adrenaline
Why are beta blockers used
To reduce anxiety and nerves in high pressure situations
To create a steady hand by minimising tremors or shaking, keeping the heart rate low
To increase levels of focus and precision during performance
To treat medical conditions such as high blood pressure and anxiety
Who/what sports use beta blockers
Sports requiring accuracy and precision
Archery
Shooting
Darts
Snooker
What are the physical side effects of beta blockers
Low blood pressure
Dizziness or fainting
Fatigue or weakness
Slower HR which could hinder high intensity performance
What are the psychological side effects of beta blockers
Depression
Legarthy
Reduced motivation
What is EPO
A hormone which can be naturally produced by the kidneys or medically produced synthetically which stimulates the production of red blood cells
Why is EPO used
To increase the amount of O2 that the blood can carry in the muscles
To enhance aerobic capacity, endurance and recovery
To stimulate RBC production which will lead to an increased oxygen carrying capacity
Who/what sports use EPO
Sports involving endurance
Distance cycling
Distance running
Distance swimming
Cross country skiing
What are the physical side effects of EPO
Thickened blood
Increased risk of blood clots
Heart attacks
Strokes
High blood pressure
Risk of kidney damage
What are the ethical and health risks of EPO
Risk of sudden death due to extensive blood viscosity
What are the social reasons for taking PEDS
Modern day ethos of win at all costs
Fame and fortune
Pressure to win
Lack of effective methods to ban drug taking - athletes believe that they can get away with it
What are the psychological benefits of taking beta blockers
Reduced anxiety and stress, enhancing focus and concentration
Promotes a calming effect which is ideal for sports requiring accuracy and precision
Improved accuracy through reducing heart rate
What are the psychological benefits of taking anabolic steroids
Enhanced confidence and aggressiveness which could potentially improve performance in contact sports such as rugby
Reduces perception of fatigue enabling athletes to train harder and longer
What are the psychological benefits of taking EPO
Boosted confidence in endurance performance
Reduces fear of underperformance due to improved stamina
Define doping
Refers to the use of banned PEDs by athletic competitors
Define stimulants
Drugs that induce a temporary improvement in mental and physical function
What are the implications of PEDs on the sport
They threaten the spirit and integrity of the sport
Cheating damages the reputation of the sport
Creates negative role models
Creates a belief or culture of “cannot compete unless drugs drugs are taken”
Sports with a strong association of cheating or doping will create suspicion with spectators which will cloud a clean performers success
What are the implications of PEDs on the performer
Can damage the athletes reputation if caught leading to negative publicity meaning future sponsorship/deals are unlikely - long term this could lead to financial struggle and therefore the performer will be unable to remain a professional
Drugs (anabolic steroids) can lead to mood swings and paranoia which can make training difficult, affecting the coach - athlete dynamic and could lead to long term depression
Use of drugs could lead to putting lives at risk eg EPO heightens risk of blood clotting and anabolic steroids can result in kidney failure
Increased aggression as a result of drugs like anabolic steroids can lead to rule breaking
