Athletic Performance

Stanford University Sleep, Stanford, California, U.S.A. THOMAS P. REILLY 

Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, England 

In strength of lift both subjects lose quite regularly and seriously, but regain nearly all after sleep. 

Unfortunately, at least three research protocol features are needed to define the effects of sleep deprivation on athletic performance with any accuracy, (a) The research protocol should isolate the homeostatic from the circadian components as the two so frequently confound each other (3,4). (b) The protocol should include a meaningful competitive event to decrease the chance of motivational confounds and reduce the distortion inherent in extrapolating pieces to a whole (i.e., anaerobic capacity of the quadriceps muscle does not necessarily predict World Cup victory), (c) Finally, the protocol should effectively reduce the myr- 

If these research design features had been mandatory, this chapter would be exceedingly short. Thankfully, undaunted researchers have collected a substantial amount of data that, when pressed against the filter of scientific rigor, yields at least indirect evidence. Still, there are times when indirect evidence is quite ample and convincing (e.g., Einstein s Theory of Special and General Relativity). 

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Anabolic Steroids Have Been Used Illegally To Enhance Athletic Performance... 

The anabolic steroids are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the dni, liver disorders, or serious cardiac disease, and in men with prostate gland disorders (eg, prostate carcinoma and prostate enlargement). The anabolic steroids are classified as Pregnancy Category X dru and should not be administered during pregnancy and lactation. Anabolic steroids are contraindicated when used to enhance physical appearance or athletic performance... 

In chemical kinetics, one finds linked sets of differential equations expressing the rates of change of the interacting species. Overall, mathematical models have been exceedingly successfiil in depicting the broad outlines of an enormously diverse variety of phenomena in nature. Some scientists have even commented in surprise at how well mathematics works in describing nature. So successful have these mathematical models been that their use has spread from the hard sciences to areas as diverse as economics and the analysis of athletic performance [3]. 

Ideally, to establish a causal relationship between caffeine and improved athletic performance, evidence would be obtained from epidemiological population studies, followed by careful, double-blind, placebo controlled experimental protocols isolating the purported etiological agent (caffeine), and eventually culminating with strong laboratory findings... 

Graham et al.79 noted that more than a quarter of Canadian youth surveyed reported use of caffeine during the last year to improve their athletic performance. The current allowable levels of caffeine permitted by the IOC are well above the minimum dose needed to elicit an ergogenic effect. If the IOC and other regulatory bodies are serious about controlling the use of performance enhancing drugs, then it may be necessary to ban caffeine entirely from competition. 

Amphetamine Clinically used for narcolepsy (sudden day-time onset sleep) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) formerly used as a short-term slimming agent, as an antidepressant and to boost athletic performance recreational use widespread tolerance develops readily highly addictive regular users suffer many health problems and a reduced life expectancy amphetamine psychosis may develop, with similar symptoms to acute paranoid schizophrenia. 

Smith GM and Beecher HK (1959). Amphetamine sulfate and athletic performance 1. 

Products containing ephedra were used extensively by the American public for weight loss and to enhance athletic performance. Ephedra, a stimulant similar to amphetamine, increases blood pressure and heart rate after only one dose, significantly increasing a person s risk of heart attack, stroke, and death. Because ephedra is a dietary supplement, the FDA did not review its safety or efficacy before it became available to the American public. According to law, the FDA could only prohibit the sale of the dietary supplement if it was proven to present a significant or unreasonable risk of injury. 

Koontz, C. H. Oxidant air pollution and athletic performance A study in Seattle. Submitted to Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Washington, September 26, 1968. 

Synthetic steroids, especially estrogenic drugs, are used extensively in estrogen-replacement therapy and oral contraceptives, in veterinary medicine for growth enhancement, and in athletic performance enhancement. In general, large portions... 

When amphetamine-like substances are misused to enhance athletic performance (doping), there is a risk of dangerous physical overexertion. Because of the absence of a sense of fatigue, a drugged athlete may be able to mobilize ultimate energy reserves. In extreme situations, cardiovascular failure may result (B). 

Athletic performance Although the anabolic steroids are generally the agents that are abused for enhancement of athletic performance, these agents have also been used for such purposes. However, these drugs are not safe and effective for this use and have a potential risk of serious side effects. 

Bernard Williams of the Philadelphia Eagles failed the drug test for marijuana. He was suspended from the NFL for six games for using a drug that does not enhance performance. If anything, marijuana would detract from an athletes performance. Let the coach judge Williams performance. 

Anabolic steroids Natural and synthetic male hormones that may be misused in an attempt to increase muscle size and improve athletic performance (SYN androgens). 

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