non-nutritional ergogenic aids

chapter 9 sehs

Non-Nutritional Ergogenic Aids

Maximizing sporting performance is the goal that all athletes share in common.

Some factors CAN be manipulated by Non-Nutritional Ergogenic Aids:

Physical training, Psychological training, Diet, Medical care, Injury rehabilitation

Some of these factors CANNOT be changed by Non-Nutritional Ergogenic Aids:

Genetic make-up (a huge determinant of athletic ability)

An ergogenic aid is

any substance or device that improves an athlete's performance.

WADA

The World Anti-Doping Agency

WADA has

banned several substances throughout the years.

Some ergogenic aids proven to work that are deemed acceptable are:

\-Ingestion of carbohydrates before/during exercise.

\-Training at high altitude to improve performance at sea-level.

\-Using a "sharkskin" swim suit (reduced drag force).

External Nasal Dilators

a placebo effect used very often in cycling

placebo effect specific to Non-Nutritional Ergogenic Aids

Although many ergogenic aids have shown no evidence of improving performance (like the nasal dilators), athletes will continue to use them because they "think" that it helps them

5 classes of non-nutritional ergogenic aids

Anabolic steroids, Hormones, Diuretics, Stimulants, Beta Blockers

Anabolic steroids

Increase in size of muscle tissue.

Hormones

Human growth hormone (HGH) and erythropoietin (EPO)

Diuretics

Increase the removal of water from the body → urinate more. Are used as "masking" agents.

Stimulants

Psychactive drugs that affect the CNS

Beta Blockers

Block the effect of adrenaline (natural vasoconstrictor) on tissues of the body.

Decrease the HR →

less stress on the heart

Anabolic Steroids Advantages

weight gain, ability to train more frequently, increased power and muscle mass, lower body fat, endurance performance

Anabolic Steroids Disadvantages

heart problems, liver damage (hepatitis, cancer), oily skin, acne, alopecia, mental problems (increased aggression, depression, and addiction)

Erythropoietin Advantages

increased oxygen carrying capacity of blood, increased cardiovascular response to exercise, improves exercise by altering cognitive functions

Erythropoietin Disadvantages

High risk of blood viscosity due to large production of RBC's→ blood clots → heart failure.

Beta Blockers Advantages

treatment for cardiovascular disease, treatment for anxiety disorders, decreases heart rate\=helps stay calm, Improved precision, steadiness, and accuracy

Beta Blockers Disadvantages

Brachycardia (abnormally low HR), Hypotension (low blood pressure), increase the secretion of insulin into blood (hypoglycemia, low blood sugar)

Caffeine Advantages

Increases adrenaline in the blood stream, makes you alert, lose weight by release of fatty acids from fat tissue

Caffeine Disadvantages

Nervousness, Tremors, Insomnia, Fatigue, Addiction → Withdrawal symptoms

Diuretics Advantages

Weight control, alter physical appearance, hiding illicit substance use by diluting the urine

Diuretics Disadvantages

Reduce plasma volume, counteracts the effects of hydration, hard to thermoregulate, reduced potential for body heat loss, fatigue muscle cramps, nausea, blurred vision

Ethical and Moral Obligations of Athletes

applies to every athlete and can vary depending on the person, provide examples (Armstrong, Maradona)

All athletes competing at the Olympic games are sworn to this oath

"I, the undersigned, declare on my honor, that I am and armature, according to the rules of the International Federation governing my sport, that I have participated in sport solely for pleasure and for the physical, mental or social benefits I derive therefrom: that sport to me is nothing more than a recreation without material gain of any kind, direct or indirect, and that I am eligible in all respects for participation in the Olympic games."