Blood Doping - Physiological Aids

Question 1

What is blood doping ?

Answer 1

Artificial boosting of red blood cell count by infusing blood into body.

Question 2

What are the benefits of blood doping ?
(4)

Answer 2

• increased red blood cell and haemohlobin count
• increased oxygen carrying capacity
• increased vo2 max
• delayed OBLA / lactate threshold / fatigue

Question 3

What are the risks of blood doping ?

Answer 3

• increased blood viscosity
• decreased blood flow
• increased risk of: blood clots, heart failure and stroke
• increased risk of blood viruses (hepatitis/HIV)

Question 4

What sports is blood doping predominantly shown in ?

Answer 4

• endurance performers
  (Rely of oxygen to muscles for aerobic respiration)
  Ex. Road cyclists, triathletes, distance runners