Ergogenic Aids and Anabolic Steroids

Ergogenic Aids Overview

• Ergogenic aids are substances or techniques used to improve athletic performance.
• Examples include pep talks, training, sports nutrition, equipment (like swimsuits), and beliefs.
• There are myths and marketing surrounding sports supplements.
• Classic ergogenic aids include anabolic steroids, human growth hormone (HGH), and myostatin.

Anabolic Steroids

• Synthetic derivatives of testosterone
• Precursors include DHEA and androstenedione.
• Mechanism involves increased bone maturation and muscle development.
• Effects include increased fat-free mass (FFM), strength, power, and muscular endurance.
• Risks include premature cessation of bone growth, liver damage, cardiac problems, decreased HDL cholesterol, and "roid rage". Further risks include acne, male pattern baldness, reduced gonadotropic hormones, and potential for testicular atrophy, breast enlargement, and prostate enlargement in men. Women may experience menstrual dysfunction and mascularization.

Human Growth Hormone (HGH)

• Mechanism involves stimulating protein synthesis, bone growth, and lipolysis.
• Effects include increased protein synthesis, bone density, and fat-free mass (FFM). Strength increases are not always observed and are not always consistent.
• Risks include acromegaly, bone and soft tissue thickening, cardiomyopathy, and potentially elevated blood glucose/hypertension.

Blood Doping

• Increases oxygen-carrying capacity by raising hematocrit.
• Method involves removing and reinfusing blood or using another person's blood.
• Effects include increased VO2 max, time to exhaustion, running speed, and improvements seen within 24 hours of transfusion.
• Risks include allergic reactions, blood-borne diseases, and increased blood viscosity, possible thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

• Renal hormone stimulating red blood cell (RBC) production.
• Mechanism increases the number of erythrocytes and their oxygen-carrying capacity.
• Effects include increased hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb), VO2 max, and time to exhaustion.
• Risks include unpredictability, muscle soreness/damage, increased blood viscosity/hypertension, and thrombosis/pulmonary embolism.

Beta Blockers

• Mechanism blocks catecholamine action at beta receptors.
• Effects include reduced heart rate (HR) at rest, improved shooting scores, increased oxygen uptake, blood flow, heart rate (HR), and blood pressure (BP), and cardiac output (CO).
• Risks include bronchospasm in asthmatics.

Amphetamines

• Synthetic catecholamines.
• Proposed effects include weight loss, heightened arousal, and increased energy/motivation.
• Effects are often variable and can include fatigue, increased blood pressure (BP), and increased heart rate (HR).
• Risks include increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias and hypertension.

Caffeine

• Central nervous system (CNS) stimulant similar to amphetamines.
• Proposed benefits include improved alertness, reaction time, decreased fatigability, increased alertness, concentration, and mood.
• Effects include catecholamine release, fat mobilization, and utilization.
• Risks including anxiety, tremors, and diuretic action.

This quiz explores the overview of ergogenic aids and specifically focuses on anabolic steroids. Learn about the benefits and risks associated with these substances, as well as their mechanisms of action in enhancing athletic performance. Understand the myths and marketing surrounding sports supplements for a well-rounded perspective.