Drugs, Athletes, and Physical Performance

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Medical, Specialties, Internal Medicine, Endocrinology & Metabolism, General
Cover of the book Drugs, Athletes, and Physical Performance by , Springer US
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: ISBN: 9781468454994
Publisher: Springer US Publication: December 6, 2012
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author:
ISBN: 9781468454994
Publisher: Springer US
Publication: December 6, 2012
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

The use of performance-enhancing substances by athletes is not a contemporary epi­ demic. In fact, athletes purportedly resorted to such measures over 2000 years ago. Even at the ancient olympic games, athletes employed special diets and concoctions to enhance their performance. In ancient Rome and ancient Egypt, gladiators and athletes ingested various potions in order to improve their physical endurance. In most in­ stances, such early examples of substance abuse by athletes involved relatively in­ nocuous chemicals, and one might presume that any enhanced performance could be attributed largely to a placebo effect. Nowadays, aside from the ethical issues, these performance-enhancing substances are far more potent and hence toxic to the body. The many performance-enhancing chemicals, drugs, and hormones exert a variety of complex pharmacological actions, but all are meant in some fashion to improve phys­ ical ability. Their pharmacological effects ranges from imprOVed muscle strength, as in the case of anabolic steroids and growth hormone, to central nervous system stimula­ tion, as in the case of caffeine or amphetamine. Analgesics or other pain-killing drugs may also be used to suppress an existing injury in order that the athlete may compete.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The use of performance-enhancing substances by athletes is not a contemporary epi­ demic. In fact, athletes purportedly resorted to such measures over 2000 years ago. Even at the ancient olympic games, athletes employed special diets and concoctions to enhance their performance. In ancient Rome and ancient Egypt, gladiators and athletes ingested various potions in order to improve their physical endurance. In most in­ stances, such early examples of substance abuse by athletes involved relatively in­ nocuous chemicals, and one might presume that any enhanced performance could be attributed largely to a placebo effect. Nowadays, aside from the ethical issues, these performance-enhancing substances are far more potent and hence toxic to the body. The many performance-enhancing chemicals, drugs, and hormones exert a variety of complex pharmacological actions, but all are meant in some fashion to improve phys­ ical ability. Their pharmacological effects ranges from imprOVed muscle strength, as in the case of anabolic steroids and growth hormone, to central nervous system stimula­ tion, as in the case of caffeine or amphetamine. Analgesics or other pain-killing drugs may also be used to suppress an existing injury in order that the athlete may compete.

More books from Springer US

Cover of the book Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide by
Cover of the book Developments in Sustainable Chemical and Bioprocess Technology by
Cover of the book Radio Monitoring by
Cover of the book Advances in Clinical Child Psychology by
Cover of the book Sexual Perversion by
Cover of the book AIDS in Africa by
Cover of the book Thermal Stress and Strain in Microelectronics Packaging by
Cover of the book Mortuary Monuments and Burial Grounds of the Historic Period by
Cover of the book Single Family Selective Rehabilitation by
Cover of the book Endocrine Therapies in Breast and Prostate Cancer by
Cover of the book Edible Oil Processing from a Patent Perspective by
Cover of the book Farewell Fossil Fuels by
Cover of the book Microbial Technologies in Advanced Biofuels Production by
Cover of the book Organizational Innovation by
Cover of the book Place Attachment by
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy