1. Module 3- Metabolism and Nutrition
Ergogenic Aids
Module 3- Metabolism and Nutrition

2. Performance Enhancing Substances
Ergogenic aid
Any substance, mechanical aid, or training method that improves sport performance
for the purposes of this chapter, the term refers specifically to pharmacological aids
What are some examples of other ergogenic aids?

3. Hormones Anabolic Steroids
The synthetic (man-made) derivatives of the male sex hormone, testosterone
Dosing
Athletes typically use anabolic steroids in a “stacking” regimen, in which they administer several different drugs simultaneously
The potency of one anabolic agent may be enhanced when it is consumed simultaneously with another anabolic agent
Most users take anabolic steroids in a cyclic pattern, meaning that they use the drugs for several weeks or months and alternate these cycles with periods of discontinued use
Often athletes administer the drugs in a pyramid (step-up) pattern in which dosages are steadily increased over several weeks. Toward the end of the cycle, the athlete “steps down” to reduce the likelihood of negative side effects

4. Table 9.1

5. Figure 9.2
Reprinted, by permission, from Hoffman, 2002.

6. Hormones Anabolic Steroids Who Uses Anabolic Steroids?
Olympic athletes, professional athletes, collegiate athletes, and high school athletes have been reported to use steroids
Many users are not involved in sports; they use steroids to improve appearance
Ergogenic Benefits
Muscle Mass and Strength
Increases in muscle protein synthesis with steroid use are likely responsible for increases in lean body mass
Changes occur in both recreationally trained and competitive athletes
Athletic Performance
The purported ergogenic benefits commonly attributed to anabolic steroid use are increased muscle mass, strength, and athletic performance, but these changes depend on the training status of the individual

7. Hormones Anabolic Steroids Psychological Effects Adverse Effects
Anabolic steroid use is associated with changes in aggression, arousal, and irritability
Adverse Effects
The medical problems related to anabolic steroids may be somewhat overstated
Many of the side effects linked to abuse are reversible upon cessation
Side effects differ between anabolic steroid use under medical supervision and consuming many drugs at high doses
Illegal

8. Table 9.2

9. Hormones Testosterone Precursors (Prohormones)
Although performance changes may not occur with prohormone use, athletes may be at higher risk for experiencing adverse side effects similar to those associated with anabolic steroid use
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
When injected into men, HCG can increase testicular testosterone production
Insulin
Insulin increases protein synthesis, but the side effect of hypoglycemia can be fatal

10. Hormones Human Growth Hormone Efficacy Adverse Effects
There are no studies on the efficacy of HGH in athletic populations
Anecdotal reports suggest impressive musculoskeletal performance changes in athletes using HGH (increased muscle mass, decreased body fat)
Adverse Effects
Although growth hormone used as replacement therapy for people with growth hormone or IGF-I deficiency can be effective and can have minimal adverse consequences, the dosages that are likely used by athletes may pose a significant risk for acromegaly (increased GH secretion by the pituitary gland leading to cardiovascular and kidney problems and gigantism)

11. Hormones Erythropoietin β-Adrenergic Agonists β-Blockers
Injections of EPO are associated with elevations in both hematocrit and hemoglobin
Health risks include increased risk of blood clotting, elevations in systolic blood pressure, a compromised thermoregulatory system, and dehydration during aerobic endurance events
β-Adrenergic Agonists
β-adrenergic agonists can increase lean mass and decrease stored fat
β-Blockers
β-blockers reduce anxiety and tremors during performance

12. Dietary Supplements Essential Amino Acids
EAA can augment muscle protein synthesis in healthy human subjects.
β-Hydroxy-β-Methylbutyrate (HMB)
It is believed that HMB has both anabolic and lipolytic effects, but research is limited. Recent studies do not support HMB supplementation in resistance-trained athletes
Nutritional Muscle Buffers
β-Alanine
Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium Citrate

13. Dietary Supplements L-Carnitine
Studies examining L-carnitine’s role as an ergogenic aid for increasing lipid oxidation have not shown clear efficacy
L-carnitine may enhance recovery from exercise

14. Creatine Creatine Importance of Creatine to Exercise
The ability to rapidly rephosphorylate ADP is dependent upon the enzyme creatine kinase and the availability of creatine phosphate (CP) within the muscle
Creatine Supplementation
Creatine supplementation increases the creatine content of muscles by approximately 20%, but there is a saturation limit
Ergogenic Benefits
Studies consistently show significant ergogenic benefits

15. Creatine
Creatine, in the form of creatine phosphate (CP; also called phosphocreatine [PCr]), has an essential role in energy metabolism as a substrate for the formation of adenosine triphosphate by rephosphorylating adenosine diphosphate (ADP), especially during short-duration, high-intensity exercise
Creatine supplementation has been shown to increase strength and improve training by reducing fatigue and enhancing postworkout recovery

16. Creatine Creatine Body Mass Changes Adverse Effects
Prolonged creatine supplementation has been generally associated with increases in body weight, especially increases in fat-free mass (water weight?)
Adverse Effects
Controlled studies have been unable to document any significant side effects from creatine supplementation
Concerns include gastrointestinal disturbances and strain on the kidneys

17. Dietary Supplements Stimulants Caffeine Efficacy Adverse Effects
Increases time to exhaustion
Effects on sprint or power performance unclear
Adverse Effects
Many adverse effects, including anxiety, gastrointestinal disturbances, restlessness, insomnia, tremors, heart arrhythmias, and increased risk for heat illness
Is physically addicting
A central nervous system stimulant, caffeine is an ergogenic aid that may enhance performance in aerobic and anaerobic athletes alike

18. Dietary Supplements Stimulants Ephedrine Efficacy Adverse Effects
Effective only when it is taken in combination with caffeine
Improves aerobic endurance performance
Adverse Effects
Many adverse effects, including death
Banned by most sport governing bodies, including the International Olympic Committee