sports science

What is WADA

Determines that the substance or method violates the spirit of the sport

World Anti Doping Agency

3 rules for WADA

1. Potential to enhance performance.

2. Represents an actual or potential health risk

3. Violates the spirit of sport

At altitudes in excess of about 2000 metres

The amount of oxygen to the body is significantly less than at sea level.

Benefits of athletes training at altitude

Increase in red blood cells

body can carry more oxygen

Disadvantages of altitude training

most athletes cant afford it

Some Fitness can be lost

How long does adaptations take approximately and it how long will it last for at altitude

3 months to adapt

1-3 months lasting

Sports Drinks

Contain -

• Electrolytes

• Carbohydrates

Advantages -

• Provide hydration, electrolytes, and energy replacement during and post exercise

Creatine Advantages

• increased creatine inside a muscle fibre improves power and muscle strength

• Generally used by power/strength athletes

• increased muscle bulk, decreased fatigue and recovery time

Creatine Disadvantages

• Possible severe muscle tear

• Possible kidney complications

• As creatine is a relatively new supplement long term studies of possible side effects are still ongoing

Legal ergogenic aids

• music

• carbs

• massage

• protein shake

Illegal ergogenic aids

Make us fitter

Blood doping, EPO

Make muscle bigger

Anabolic agents

Make us more alert

Stimulants

Make us pain free

Narcotic agents

Make us steady and stable

beta blockers

Make us bigger

HGH

Mask the use of other drugs

Diuretics

Blood doping and EPO advantages

• More red blood cells

• Increased oxygen carrying ability

• increased fitness

Blood doping and EPO disadvantages

• thickening of blood

• blood clotting

• stroke

Anabolic agents

These are synthetic or natural substances that mimic the action of testosterone.

Advantages of anabolic agents

• reduced fatigue

• improved recovery

• increased strength

Disadvantages of anabolic agents

• liver damage

• agression / depression

• stroke

• heart attack

Males may suffer -

• increased breast tissue

• reduced nuts size

Stimulants

Act upon the central nervous system

Speed up -

• Heart rate

• blood pressure

• stroke volume

examples include -

• amphetamines

• cocaine

• ecstasy

Advantage of stimulants

• increased alertness

• reduced fatigue

• increased agression

Disadvantage of stimulants

• No improvement to performance

• Dehydration

• Heart exhaustion

• poor balance and coordination

• DEATH

Narcotic Agents

They mask pain by acting upon the central nervous system

examples include -

• Heroin

• Morphine

Advantages of narcotics

• Reduced pain sensation

• Allows athlete to compete or train whilst injured

Disadvantages of narcotics

• Addiction

• Respiratory failure

• Further injury

• Nausea

Diuretics

Used to mask drug usage

Diuretics advantages

• Weight loss

• mask drug usage

Diuretic disadvantages

• Rapid fluid loss

• dehydration

• cramps

Human growth hormone

* This stimulates production of cartilage, bone and muscle

HGH advantages

• Increased muscle tissue

• Increased bone development

• improved recovery

HGH disadvantages

• diabetes

• decreased immune function

• larger organs putting stress on the body