ERGOGENIC AIDS FOR SPORT PERFORMANCE BY: SAMEEKSHA PARMAR 9=1 ( OF PHARMACOLOGICAL AGENTS b oe ; 7 Oy 7INTRODUCTION « Ergogenic Aids are substances, techniques, or devices that enhance athletic performance by improving strength, endurance, or recovery, « These aids can be classified into different types, including nutritional, mechanical, physiological, psychological and pharmacological + Pharmacological ergogenic aids are drugs or synthetic substances that directly affect the body's physiological processes to boost performance. + LET'S KNOW MORE ABOUT PHARMACOLOGICAL AIDS1. Stimulants (e.g, Caffeine, Amphetamines, Ephedrine) : + Increase alertness, focus, and reaction time. 2.Anabolic Steroids (e.g., Testosterone, Nandrolone): + Promote muscle growth and strength, Improve recovery time after intense training. 8.Blood Doping/Erythropoietin (EPO): : + Involves injecting stored blood or using drugs like EPO to increase oxygen-carrying capacity, Benefits endurance athletes by boosting stamina, 4. Beta-Blockers (e.g. Propranolol, Atenolol): + Reduce heart rate and tremors, improving precision (useful in sports like archery or shooting). S.Diuretics: + Help in rapid weight loss (used in weight-class sports like boxing), Used to mask the presence of other drugs in doping tests.Stimulants Anabolic Steroids ‘Diuretics Es bebe Beta-Blockers Blood-DopingPROCEDURE TO USE ¢ There are 2 procedures to use pharmacological aids. 1 | Athietes who illegally use these substances often follow eycles and stacking | Used under strict supervision and monitored by doctors. eee aR MRE | Aneattheare professional evaluates theneed foradrugleg=EPOfer | Cycling: Using the dru fr period (eg, 6-12 weeks followed by a break to 1 anemia, steroid for musele wasting dseases, I reduce side effects, 1 1 stacking-Combining diferent drugs eg, steroids + KGH) to maximize 1 benefits while tring to minimize detection, po---------------------- Foe ener eee eee 1 Some drugs require gradual tapering off toavold withdrawalorhormonal | Gradually inereasng the dose overtime, then tapering of beforea 1 imbalances 1 competition. p----------------------- $o------------------ eee 1 Regular health check-upsaredaneto ensure safety and effectiveness, | i a oe ee ‘Unregulated use can lead to permanent health damage or death1, Competetive Athletes: + Strength & Power Athletes (e.g. bodybuilders, weightlifters, sprinters) - Use anabolic steroids and hGH to increase muscle mass and strength, + Endurance Athletes (e.g. marathon runners, cyclists, swimmers) - Use EPO (erythropoietin) and blood doping ‘to enhance oxygen delivery and stamina, + Precision Sports Athletes (e.g. archers, shooters) - Use beta-blockers to steady their hands and reduce anxiety. 2. People with Medical Conditions (Legitimate Use): « ‘Anabolic steroids are prescribed for muscle-wasting diseases lke cancer or HIV/AIDS, + EPO is used to treat nema by increasing red blood cell produ + Beta-blockers are prescribed for heart conditions but sometimes misused by athletes 3, Bodybuilders & Gym Enthusiasts: + Many use anabolic steroids and HGH to accelerate muscle growth, recover faster, and achieve a leaner ys, + Diuretics are sometimes used for rapid weight loss before competitions. While these agents can pro\ ‘ant performance boosts, they come with serious risks and ethical concerns.ADVANTAGES 1.Enhanced Performance: Boosts strength, endurance, speed, and recovery, giving athletes a competitive edge. 2.Faster Muscle Growth & Recovery: Anabolic steroids and hGH help in quicker muscle repair, reducing downtime after intense trai i 3.Increased Oxygen Delivery: EPO and blood doping improve oxygen transport, enhancing stamina in endurance sports. 4.Reduced Fatigue & Improved Focus: Stimulants like caffeine and amphetamines help athletes stay alert and perform at high intensity for longer. 5|Weight Management: Diuretics aid in rapid weight loss, which is beneficial in sports with strict weight classes like boxing or wrestling.DISADVANTAGES 1,Severe Health Risks: Can cause heart disease, liver damage. kidney failure, high blood pressure, and hormonal imbalances, 2.Ethical & Legal Consequences: Many are banned by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency), and athletes caught using them face suspensions, bans, or reputational damage. 3.Addiction & Psychological Effects: Stimulants and steroids can be addictive, leading to dependence, mood swings, aggression (“roid rage"), and anxiety. 4,Unfair Advantage & Doping Scandals: Creates an uneven playing field, leading to cheating accusations and loss of credibility in sports, 5.Shor+-Term Gains, Long-Term Damage: While performance improves temporarily, long-term use can cause irreversible health problems, including organ failure.+ Pharmacological ergogenic aids enhance athletic performance, strength, endurance, and recovery. + Examples include stimulants, steroids, and hormones, which offer short~ term benefits but serious long-term risks. + Health risks include organ damage, hormonal imbalances, addiction, and even death. + Many are banned in professional sports due to unfair advantages and ethical concerns, + Illegal use involves cycles, stacking, or pyramiding, but these do not prevent dangers. + Medical use is safe under doctor supervision, but misuse leads to doping scandals and bans. + Natural training and proper nutrition are the safest and most ethical ways to improve performance.