Option A.3 - Non-nutrional Ergogenc Aids

Ergogenic aid

A substance or phenomenon that improves an athletes performance

General things that ergogenic aids may do

They may influence the physiological up capacity of a body, improve performance, remove physiological constraints that impact performance, increase speed of recovery from training and competition

Placebo

A substance that has no known medical effects like water or a sugar pill

Placebo effect

Phenomenon which people may experience benefits after the administration of a placebo, but one receives a response. This is based on the expectations of the patient, if one believes the substance work than they are more likely to exhibit a response

List the five classes of non-nutritional ergogenic aids that are currently banned by the IOC and WADA

Anabolic steroids, hormones, diuretics and masking agents, beta blockers, stimulants (caffeine)

Pharmacological substances

The uses, effects and modes of actions of drugs on the body

Why are pharmacological substances on the banned list of drugs

They give athletes an unfair advantage, it is cheating, it is detrimental to health

Anabolic steroids

These are artificially produce hormones that athletes use to promote muscle growth strength and lean bodyweight. Sprinters or bodybuilders are likely to use these

Side effects of anabolic steroids

Liver damage, heart and immunity problems, acne, behavior changes

Human growth hormone

These are artificially produced hormones that cause an increase in muscle mass and decrease in fat. Sprinters, rugby players or endurance athletes are likely to use these

Side effects of human growth hormone

Heart and nerve diseases, glucose intolerance, high levels of blood fats

Erythropoietin

A natural hormone that can be artificially produced in order to increase hemoglobin which increases the work that can be performed. Endurance athletes and cyclists are likely to use these

Side effects of erythropoietin

Blood clots, stroke or death

Beta blockers

Drugs that inhibit autonomic nerve activity to calm nerves. Percision athletes like golf or riflery will use these

Side effects of beta blockers

Low blood pressure, fatigue, lower HR all of which lead to lower aerobic capacity overall

Caffeine

A naturally occurring drug that improves endurance, commonly used by endurance athletes

Side effects of caffeine

Restlessness, insomnia, tremors, cancer, heart issues, hallucinations

Diuretics and masking agents

Drugs that make you urinate a lot, help control weight and dehydrate the body. These are commonly used by those trying to hide drugs or lose weight like boxers, wrestlers or gymnasts.

Side effects of diuretics and masking agents

Dehydration, hindered thermoregulation, reduce plasma volume, fatigue, muscle cramps