| Popis: |
Attempts to make gains in performance through training is part of normal competitive sport but over generations the lure of being a champion has tempted people to explore other performance-enhancing methods outside the ‘fair playing field’ of sport; this includes the misuse of several hormones. Androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS) are the most frequently misused hormones since, when combined with training, they enhance lean body mass, muscle bulk, and strength resulting in improved performance. Growth hormone, insulin, and IGF-I act in synergy with AAS and are frequently misused together in complicated regimes that are often difficult to detect. Erythropoietin by enhancing oxygen delivery to exercising muscles has also been shown to be a powerful performance-enhancing hormone, particularly in aerobic sports. Attempts to control the misuse of substances and methods has had limited success but is a war that is likely to continue with increasingly sophisticated ‘weapons’ on both sides. |
