1. A.3 Non-nutritional ergogenic aids

2. A.3.1 Define the term ergogenic aid.
Any substance or phenomenon that improves an athletes performance.

3. A.3.2 Describe, with reference to an appropriate example, the placebo effect.
Research Task:
Give an example of a recorded placebo effect associated with a specific ergogenic aid in the sport of your choice.

4. A.3.3 List five classes of non-nutritional ergogenic aids that are currently banned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Anabolic steroids
Hormones and related substances (Erythropoietin – EPO, Human Growth Hormone – HGH)
Diuretics and masking agents – makes detection of banned substances difficult
Beta blockers – lowers heart rate, settles nerves
Stimulants – increases heart rate, can increase response/reaction time

5. A.3.4 Discuss why pharmacological substances appear on the list of banned substances.
Gives athletes an unfair advantage.
It is cheating.
Detrimental effects to health – some known and unknown.

6. A.3.5 Discuss the proposed and actual benefits that some athletes would hope to gain by using anabolic steroids, erythropoietin (EPO), beta blockers, caffeine and diuretics.
Anabolic steroids – bigger, stronger, faster, faster recovery
EPO – more oxygen to the muscles, takes longer to fatigue – lowers rate of lactic acid build-up
Beta blockers – lowers heart rate and nerve response, calming effect (archery, golf)
Caffeine – legal stimulant; increases alertness, increases heart rate, increases energy, may increase reaction/response time
Diuretics – causes frequent urination in an effort to hide banned substances

7. A.3.6 Outline the possible harmful effects of long-term use of anabolic steroids, EPO, beta blockers, caffeine and diuretics.
Research task

8. Reasons why used (benefits) Which athletes might use them?
Method
What are they?
Reasons why used (benefits)
Which athletes might use them?
Side effects
Anabolic Steroids
Artificially produced hormones
Promote muscle growth, strength and lean body weight
Power athletes such as sprinters, bodybuilders
Liver damage, heart and immune system problems, acne, behavioral changes
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
Artificially produced hormone
Increases muscle mass and causes a  in fat
Range of sports including sprinting to explosive activities like rugby, endurance sports
Heart and nerve diseases, glucose intolerance, high levels of blood fats
Erythropoietin (EPO)
A natural hormone produced by the kidneys to increase red blood cells; it can now be artificially manufactured
An  in hemoglobin levels means an  in oxygen-carrying capacity of the body, which can lead to an in the amount of work performed
Tends to be used by endurance performers, such as Tour de France cyclists, who need effective oxygen transport
Can result in blood clotting, stroke, and in a few cases, death
Beta Blockers
Drugs that inhibit certain autonomous nerve activity
Helps to calm an individual down and  anxiety; Can improve accuracy and precision sports through steadying the nerves
Golf (2007 – PGA started testing for beta blockers, then withdrew this in the 2008 British Open)
Tiredness due to low blood pressure and slower heart rate, which affect aerobic capacity
Caffeine
Natural occurring drug
Improves endurance; not good for sports that require accuracy and/or precision
Endurance athletes
Nervousness, restlessness, insomnia, tremors – high use can lead to gastrointestinal issues, heart arrhythmias and mild hallucinations, risk of cancer, calcium deficiency
Diuretics
Weight control, dehydrate the body for definition, frequent urination to hide other drugs
Bodybuilders, boxers, wrestling, powerlifting, gymnasts, individuals taking other illegal drugs
Dehydration, hinders thermoregulation, reduced plasma volume, fatigue, drowsiness, muscle cramps
Physical Education Anatomy & Applied Exercise Physiology 2nd Edition p. 211
IB SEHS Textbook p

9. FYI – Legal Non-Nutritional Ergogenic Aids
Altitude training
Physiotherapy
Acupuncture
Herbal medicines
Psychological aids – mental imagery
Caffeine