Drug Restrictions

Physical Education: AQA GCSE, topic 7.3.7

Beta Blockers

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

Reduce the effects of adrenaline on the body

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.
Side effects

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).

Stimulants (improve alertness)

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).
Narcotic analgesics (pain killers)

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).
Anabolic agents (increase muscle mass)

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).
Diuretics (weight loss)

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).
Peptide hormones (improve oxygen carrying capacity)

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).
Beta blockers (for fine motor control)

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).

Test yourself on Drug Restrictions

  • What performance enhancing drug reduces the effect of adrenaline on the body?

  • The side effects of beta blockers

  • How do beta blockers reduce the effect of adrenaline on the body?

  • Which hormone do beta blockers reduce the effects of?

  • What does PED stand for?

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