6.3.4 The use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs)

• What are performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs)?

  Substances to improve athletic performance
• What are anabolic steroids derived from?

  Testosterone
• What do stimulants such as amphetamines and caffeine increase?

  Alertness and energy
• What does erythropoietin (EPO) increase in the body?

  Red blood cell production
• What does human growth hormone (HGH) promote in the body?

  Cell growth and repair
• What ethical concern does PED use raise regarding the integrity of sport?

  Fairness and integrity
• What health risks are associated with many PEDs?

  Cardiovascular problems
• Why do high-profile athletes using PEDs cause role model concerns?

  Poor example for youth
• What specific health risk is associated with anabolic steroids?

  Liver damage
• Performance-enhancing drugs often boost muscle strength, endurance, or recovery
• Anabolic steroids are used to build muscle mass and strength
• Stimulants can increase alertness, energy, and focus
• EPO improves oxygen delivery and endurance
• HGH enhances muscle development and recovery
• PED use undermines the level playing field and integrity of competition.
• PEDs can cause cardiovascular problems, liver damage, and psychological issues
• Athletes using PEDs may encourage substance abuse and disregard for the rules
• Anabolic steroids can cause liver damage, cardiovascular problems, and hormonal imbalances
• Stimulants can cause anxiety, insomnia, and addiction
• EPO can lead to blood clots, stroke, and high blood pressure
• HGH can cause acromegaly, organ enlargement, and increased risk of diabetes
• All PEDs have been thoroughly tested for long-term health effects.

  False
• Match the PED with its primary health risk:

  Anabolic Steroids ↔️ Liver damage

  Stimulants ↔️ Anxiety

  EPO ↔️ Blood clots

  HGH ↔️ Organ enlargement
• The commercialization of sport has increased the financial rewards and stakes, driving the desire to win at any cost
• PEDs are substances used by athletes to improve athletic performance, often boosting muscle strength, endurance, or recovery
• What are performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) primarily used for in sports?

  Unfair competitive advantage
• What does Erythropoietin (EPO) do in the body?

  Increases red blood cells
• Why does PED use undermine the fairness and integrity of sport?

  Creates unfair advantages
• The ethical issues surrounding PED use highlight the need to preserve the fairness, integrity, and values of sport
• EPO use can increase the risk of blood clots and stroke.


  True
• Order the socio-cultural factors driving PED use:

  1️⃣ Pressure to succeed

  2️⃣ Commercialization of sport

  3️⃣ Lack of education

  4️⃣ Normalization of PED use
• Random drug testing is used to detect PED use in athletes both in-competition and out-of-competition.


  True
• PEDs are used to provide fair advantages in sport.

  False
• Anabolic steroids are approved for use in all sports.

  False
• Stimulants have no side effects on the body.

  False
• EPO is legal for all athletes to use.

  False
• HGH has no known health risks.

  False
• PED use aligns with the values of fair play and sportsmanship.

  False
• The long-term health effects of PEDs are always well-known.

  False
• High-profile athletes using PEDs inspire young people to follow ethical sportsmanship.

  False