Option 2 - Improving Performance Flashcards
At what level of competition should drug testing be introduced?
professional level since drug testing is very costly and the fact is that many, amateur athletes do not have access to drugs and don’t use performance enhancing drugs.
Which drugs should be tested for?
performance enhancing drugs and diuretics since these affect the on-field and off-field abilities of athletes. diurectics also mask performance enhancing drugs and thus should be tested for.
Which drugs shouldn’t be tested for?
tobacco and marijuana since they dont actually enhance performance but rather acts as a recreational drug.
consequences of drug use
- public shaming
- banning from sport
- loss of income / sponsorship
- penalties eg. jail time & community service
- surrendering of personal accomplishments (eg. medals)
Has technology gone too far? Re: lactate threshold testing and biomechanical analysis
It hasn’t, as it has allowed players to reach their potential esp. in terms of achieving optimal performance through accurate measurements of results and physical indicators such as lactate thresholds. contributed to efficiency of training programs and improvements in execution of movements through biomechanical analysis.
Where has tech gone too far in sport?
Re: actual equipment in sport such as swimsuits which aids endurance, speed, or execution of movement, as seen by 2010 banning of the FINA stream-lined fast swimsuit. these suits create an unequal playing field between those who can afford these and those who cannot.
Has access to technology created unfair competition?
Yes.
- wealthier athlete or organisation, the more adv. tech and equipment they are able to purchase as opposed to one with less funds.
eg. AU has been overtaking and winning rugby league competitions esp against PNG which could be a result of our access to video analysers, full time coaches and assistants, professional biomechanical equipment to enhance strategies and movement techniques alongside possibility of better designed football boots
how has swim suits been used to improve performance
certain materials; through compression, allow swimsuits to reduce skin vibration and offer low drag friction while improving buoyancy. this was seen in the Speedo LZR which was restricted in the 2009 World Championships as it breached legal and ethical considerations of how tech influences natural performance of athlete.
generally, swimsuits reduce drag component and improves streamlining so swimmers will have greater propulsion through water and produce more efficient & powerful forces.
how has golf balls been used to improve performance
advances in rubber systems allowed ball makers to design cores that were more energetic or ‘faster’, have reduced spin on drives and increased distance (through dimples) and control
What has lactate threshold testing been used for?
Predict endurance performances and tests for max oxygen uptake (max VO2) or rate at which lactate threshold occurs
What do portable lactate analysers enable?
Enables coach to measure both aerobic and anaerobic conditioning of athlete. with info, coach can plan, control and monitor training of individual athletes to optimise training effects
Biomechanical analysis?
the use of visual recordings to replay movements, correct techniques, evaluate team and opposition performance. with this, a data sheet may be completed on the athlete which is used to evaluate performances, isolate weaknesses and strengths and improve future performances.
Human growth hormones and effects?
anabolic hormones that occur naturally in body. it stimulates muscle growth, recovery and increases number of red blood cells as well as decreases amount of fat faster; thus providing more energy and allowing athlete to train for longer and at higher intensities.
Weightlifters would most benefit from this hormone.
Negative effects of HGHs
- swelling of hands, feet and coarsened facial expression.
- organs such as heart and liver undergo abnormal growth leading to life threatening issues such as myopathy
What are anabolic steroids?
drugs resembling testoterone to increase muscle size and reduce recovery time after sessions and reduce body fat. may also increase aggression and competitiveness in athletes.
