ergogenic aids: pharmological aids

Question 1

ergogenic aid

Answer 1

a technique or substance used to enhance performance or recovery

Question 2

ergogenic aid examples

Answer 2

altitude training, video analysis and compression wear

Question 3

pharmological aid

Answer 3

a supplement or drug that enhances performance by increasing the levels of hormones naturally produced by the body

Question 4

pharmological aid examples

Answer 4

anabolic steroids, erythropoietin (EPO), human growth hormone (HGH)

Question 5

anabolic steroids

Answer 5

testosterone derivatives that promote protein synthesis for growth and repair throughout the body
- used by high intensity short duration performers e.g. weight lifters, sprinters

Question 6

potential benefits of anabolic steroids

Answer 6

• increased muscle mass, strength, and power
• promotes recovery
• ability to train at higher intensities for longer
• can speed up rehab from soft tissue injuries

Question 7

potential risks of anabolic steroids

Answer 7

• liver damage or cancer
• increased blood pressure
• raised LDL cholesterol
• males: shrinking of testes, reduced sperm count, enlarged breasts
• females: development of facial hair, deepening of voice

Question 8

erythropoietin (EPO)

Answer 8

a synthetic version of the hormone secreted by the kidneys that increases the rate of production of red blood cells
- mostly used by endurance athletes relying on aerobic respiration e.g. triathletes, distance runners

Question 9

potential benefits of erythropoietin

Answer 9

• increased red blood cells and haemoglobin count
• increased O2 carrying capacity of blood
• increased VO2 max
• delayed OBLA/lactate threshold/fatigue

Question 10

potential risks of erythropoietin

Answer 10

• increased blood viscosity
• decreased blood flow or Q
• increased risk of blood clots, heart failure, stroke
• decreased natural production of EPO

Question 11

human growth hormone (HGH)

Answer 11

a synthetic version of the hormone secreted by he pituitary gland that increases muscle mass
- mostly used by anaerobic performer but some aerobic e.g. sprinters, power positions in teams like NFL and rugby

Question 12

potential benefits of HGH

Answer 12

• increased muscle mass, strength and power
• increased fat free mass/decreased fat mass
• increased glucose levels
• stimulates bone cartilage and muscle growth
• can speed up rehab from soft tissue injuries

Question 13

potential risks of HGH

Answer 13

• hypertrophy of internal organs
• abnormal bone growth
• bone thickening deformities
• increased risk of diabetes, high BP, cancer

Question 14

VO2 max

Answer 14

the maximum volume of oxygen that can be used by the body in one minute

Question 15

OBLA

Answer 15

• onset of blood lactate accumulation
  reaching a exercise intensity where blood lactate concentration reaches 4mmol/1

Question 16

lactate threshold

Answer 16

the exercise intensity where blood lactate concentration increases suddenly and dramatically

Question 17

blood viscosity

Answer 17

the thickness and stickiness of blood, a direct measure of blood flow to pass through the vessels

Question 18

hypertrophy

Answer 18

the enlargement of an organ or muscle from the increase in size of its cells