The Main Purpose of the Ergogenic Aids - Essay Example

Ergogenic aids and steroids: Ergogenic aids are basically dietary supplements which are used as a means of improving production, control, efficiency and utilization of energy (Marc & Silver, 2001). The main purpose of the ergogenic aids is to enhance athletic performance in order to give a boost over the opponents (Bonci, 2010). Ergogenic aids may be aimed at different aspects of the being for enhancement purposes, for example, the aids might be directly aimed at influencing the psychological capacity of a body system, or it could also be used as a platform for removing some specific psychological constraints or even for the increased recovery processes for the enhancement of performance levels (Sports Coach, 1997). In terms of the categories, ergogenic aids can be seen as distributed in terms of mechanical aids, pharmacological aids, physiological aids, nutritional aids and psychological aids (Sports Coach, 1997). All of these categories actually illustrate the fact that the ergogenic aids can be specifically tailored in view of the particular aspect of the being that needs to be enhanced. The most commonly used ergogenic supplements are protein supplements, energy boosters, weight loss agents and anabolic agents etc (Bonci, 2010). It is this category of anabolic agents in which the stubject matter of steroids falls. Steroids constitute two categories namely anabolic and corticosteroids (Dowshen, 2010). Anabolic steroids are the synthetic derivatives of testosterone and are synthetic hormones that boost the muscle production in the body and their strength. While the corticosteroids are drugs that doctors specifically prescribe to control inflammation (Dowshen, 2010). The usage of such steroids is mostly for the purpose of enhancing one’s abilities in the strength dependent sports. Anabolic steroids are the ones that trigger the release of the endogenous growth hormone and induce protein synthesis in the muscle cells whose psychological influence can enhance a more intense and sustained workout. While the complete effectiveness of them in enhancing strength and other factors that influence their effects still have some ambiguity in terms of understanding and cannot even be seen in a proper documented form. The effects of such steroids have not yet been determined correctly with full consensus based on the differences in the approaches being taken for their usage (Mac & Silver, 2001). Effects of steroid use on athletic performance: With the advent of steroids as energy boosters in the sports category, there has always been a question of their effectiveness in terms of athletic performance countered with their side effects. In view of the effects of steroids on athletic performance, it has generally been proven that the intake of anabolic steroids, along with the weight training and appropriate diet, does result in an increase in the muscle mass and strength (Taylor, 2002). In addition to that, numerous studies also show an increase in the total blood volume and haemoglobin concentration by the use of steroids. They also contribute in enhancing vascular supply concomitant that increases the vascular bed as well as the blood volume. All of which have been proven to contribute to the athletic performance specifically in terms of endurance (Taylor, 2002). Steroids can also increase the bone mineral density along with the bone strength which contributes in the formation of a calcium and protein bone matrix. The strong and dense bones are a great plus point when it comes to contact sports. Recent studies also propose the contribution of steroids in the healing process specifically of sports related muscle injuries (Taylor, 2002). Steroids are also said to have direct effect on the brain activities by acting as neurotransmitters that can trigger an alteration of the neurochemistry of the brain. Numerous studies show that the steroids also contribute in enhancement of aggressive factor, euphoria and mental intensity. The steroids can also affect the opioid receptors in the brain which in turn can increase the pain tolerance factor in an individual. It is the general consensus that both these factors of increased aggressiveness and high level of tolerance are the important attributes of athletes’ performance and also of his/her training phase (Taylor, 2002). Various studies also link the usage of steroids with a decrease in the percentage of body fat which is quite an important factor for athletic performance. Also, steroids are also said to boost a reduced reflex time and quicker neuromuscular reactions by the enhancement of isometric fast force production. The factors such as quicker reflexes and fluid body movements are universally considered to the elite ingredients for enhanced performance, both of which are contributed upon by the use of steroids, and hence their effectiveness on the athletic performance can be verified (Taylor, 2002). Steroids and human growth hormones: Human growth hormones and steroids, though taken by many as one and the same thing, are actually fundamentally different from each other. The first and foremost difference between the two is that steroids are synthetic chemical substances while the human growth hormones are found in the human body itself and does not need injection as the steroids require. In addition to that, human growth hormones, as a supplement, are much easier to absorb than the steroids and does not require injection, which makes it much more preferable due to a decreased risk of infections by injection (Hart, 2009). Human growth hormones are also not addictive like steroids and cannot be easily abused due to which it does not have any withdrawal issues or cravings. Plus, it does not have any harsh side effects if any. On the other hand steroids are generally known to have very harsh side effects that are not only undesirable but also irreversible. In addition to that, though the steroids can be used for medical treatments, human growth hormones have no such medical applications (Hart, 2009). Medical risk of steroid use: Steroid use is associated with a number of medical issues that highlight the risk of certain factors triggered by it that in turn have adverse effects on the human health. A few medical risk factors include the risks associated with cardiovascular issues for example the change in lipid profile, elevation in the blood pressure and decreased myocardial functions. Also it can also be adverse in terms of endocrine; effecting gynecomastia, testicular atrophy and impotence and transient infertility (Hoffman & Ratamass, 2006). Along with that, the usage of steroids also impose the risk factors associated to genitourinary for example in male category it can cause reduction in sperm counts and decreased testicular size while in females it can cause menstrual irregularities and masculinisation. In addition to that, it can also result in dermatological issues such as acne and male pattern baldness (Hoffman & Ratamass, 2006). The use of steroids also imposes the risk of hepatic diseases, such as increased risk of liver damage and tumors, and musculoskeletal issues such as premature closure of epiphyseal plate, increased risk of tendon tears and intramuscular abscess. It also poses the threat of psychological implications such as mania, depression, aggression and mood swings (Hoffman & Ratamass, 2006). Summary: Steroids basically fall in the category of ergogenic supplements whose primary purpose is the increase the level of production, capacity, efficiency and utilization of means of energy in order to boost physical performance levels. These supplements are specifically tailored for the enhancement of certain aspects of the physical performance. Steroids constitute two types namely anabolic and corticosteroids; out of which anabolic steroids are much more prone to scepticism due to the medical implications that they cause. However, they do have some positive influence on the performance levels in terms of sports such as increase in vascular bed and blood volume, boosting healing process, quicker reflexes, greater endurance and reduction in the fat production as characterized by various studies. On the other hand, steroids are also said to have adverse side effects that include certain cardiovascular, endocrine, genitourinary, dermatological, hepatic, musculoskeletal and psychological implications. In terms of some alternatives of steroids, although, there are many similarities between human growth hormones and steroids, the human growth hormones still can be considered as a preferable option due to its decreased side effects. The use of steroids still remains to be a highly sceptic option to boost performance levels and should be considered very seriously before usage against the negative aspects of it. References Marc, D., Silver, M. D. 2001. Use of ergogenic aids by athletes; Journal of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 9 (1) Sports Coach 1997. Ergogenic Aids. Brain mac. Retrieved on 21 Oct, 2010 from http://www.brianmac.co.uk/ergoaids.htm Bonci, L. 2010. Ergogenic aids. Nutrition and well being; Retrived on 21 Oct, 2010 from http://www.faqs.org/nutrition/Erg-Foo/Ergogenic-Aids.html Dowshen, S. 2010. Steroids; Kids health. Retrieved on 21 Oct, 2010 from http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/steroids.html# Taylor, W. N. 2002. Anabolic Steroids and the athlete; Macfarland & Company. USA Hart, M. 2009. The differences between steroids and human growth hormone. Article alley. Retrieved on 21 Oct, 2010 from http://www.articlealley.com/article_807757_32.html Hoffman, J. R. & Ratamess, N. A. 2006. Medical issues associated with anabolic steroid. Journal of sports science and medicine; 5. 182-193. Read More