7.3.7

Drug Restrictions

Test yourself

Beta Blockers

Beta blockers are a performance-enhancing drug. They have the following effects on the body:

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Reduce the effects of adrenaline on the body

  • They do this by reducing muscle tension (tightness), heart rate and blood pressure.
  • With these effects, they can improve a performer's fine motor skills (involved in smaller movements that take place in the wrists, hands, fingers, feet and toes) and help with accuracy.
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Side effects

  • Nausea (feeling sick).
  • Poor circulation, which can cause heart problems.
  • Tiredness.
  • Weakness.

Performance Enhancing Drugs

Different types of performer will use different types of performance enhancing drugs (PEDs).

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Stimulants (improve alertness)

These PEDs benefit:

  • Sprinters (by reducing reaction time off the start line to make a faster start.
  • Racing drivers (by reducing reaction time off the start line to make a quick getaway).
  • Rugby players (by increasing aggression to tackle harder).
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Narcotic analgesics (pain killers)

These PEDs benefit:

  • Weightlifters (by reducing over-training pain so that they are able to train more often to increase strength).
  • NFL players (by reducing pain so that they can play through an injury and get to the end of a game).
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Anabolic agents (increase muscle mass)

These PEDs benefit:

  • Boxers (by increasing muscle mass for improved punching strength).
  • Rugby players (by increasing muscle mass for improved leg strength to drive a scrum).
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Diuretics (weight loss)

  • These PEDs benefit:
    • Boxers (trying to make a set weight before a fight).
    • MMA fighters (trying to make a set weight before a fight).
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Peptide hormones (improve oxygen carrying capacity)

  • These PEDs benefit:
    • Marathon runners (by improving their ability to transport oxygen around the body to create energy).
    • Long-distance cyclists (by improving their ability to transport oxygen around the body to create energy).
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Beta blockers (for fine motor control)

  • These PEDs benefit:
    • Archers (by calming and relaxing muscles to improve accuracy).
    • Darts players (by calming and relaxing muscles to improve accuracy).

Jump to other topics

1Applied Anatomy & Physiology

2Movement Analysis

3Physical Training

4The Principles of Training

5Using Data

6Sports Psychology

7Socio-cultural Influences

8Health & Fitness

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