With better dope testing methods and hence the possibilities of detection and life ban from the sport, athletes and coaches are looking for legal ways to improve performance and/or hasten recovery. The various ways by which performance can be improved are known as Ergogenic Aids.

Ergogenic Aids may:

directly influence the physiological capacity of a particular body system thereby improving performance
remove psychological constraints which impact performance
increase the speed of recovery from training and competition

Categories

Ergogenic aids fall into the following categories:

Mechanical Aids
Altitude Training
Aqua (water) Training
Heart Rate Monitors
Computers - analyse VO2 max, technique, test results etc.
Video recorders - analyse technique
Tyre towing - develop strength
Weights - develop strength
Hypoxic Tents
Nasal Strips
Parachutes - develop strength
Elastic cord (pulling)- develop speed
Elastic cord (restraining) - develop strength
Downhill running (3° to 5° slope) - develop speed
Uphill running (5° to 10° slope) - develop strength
Treadmills
Weighted vests (5% to 8% of body weight) - develop strength
Compression garments - limited research exists on the ergogenic qualities for sports-specific exercise, with available research showing mixed results for exercise involving repeated powerful efforts
Sports clothing, footwear and equipment
Timing equipment
Vibration Training
Pharmacological Aids
Amphetamine
Androstenedione
Anabolic Steroid
Beta Blocker
Creatine Monohydrate
Caffeine
Choline
Carnitine
Chromium
Clenbuterol
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
Gamma hydroxybutyric acid - GHB
Hydroxymethylbutyrate - HMB
Magnesium
Phosphatidylserine
Protein Supplements
Sodium Bicarbonate
Vanadyl Sulphate
Physiological Aids
Acupuncture
Blood Doping
Creatine
Colostrum
EPO
Herbal Medicines
Homeopathy
Human growth hormone
Physiotherapy
Sports Massage
Sauna
Ultra-violet rays
Nutritional Aids
Bicarbonate of Soda
Carbohydrate Loading
Caffeine
Creatine
Sports Drinks
Psychological Aids
Centering
Cheering
Hypnosis
Imagery
Meditation
Music
Psychology
Relaxation
T'ai Chi
Banned Ergogenic Aids

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has drawn up a list of banned substances and doping methods that most sports governing bodies have accepted. The use of drugs to enhance performance is considered unfair and it puts the health of the athlete at risk.

The Drug Information Database provides easily accessible and accurate responses to queries about the status in sport of licensed pharmaceutical and over-the-counter medicinal products available in the UK. The status of the substances in this database reflects the current prohibited list of supplements which is available from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Cautionary Notes

The IOC list of banned substances is based on Doping Classes and Doping Methods, not all substances belonging to the class are listed. Do not assume that because a substance is not listed it is not banned. Lists of banned substances are periodically revised. Always check with the medical officer of the sport or the Sports Council if you are in doubt. Athletes, this is your responsibility.
Different sporting organizations may ban different drugs. It is advisable to check with the relevant governing body. Medical officers should also liaise closely with their governing body regarding the relevant prohibited classes.
Banned substances are not only contained in medicines that may be prescribed by doctors. They may be found in over the counter preparations. A family doctor or local pharmacist may not be fully aware of the restrictions on medications. Always check medications with the governing body medical officer or with the Sports Council.
Do not use medications from overseas unless they have been cleared with the governing body medical officer. Do not rely on brand names of medications available overseas. A permitted brand name in the United Kingdom may contain a banned substance in its overseas version.
Some so-called 'vitamin' preparations and nutritional supplements may contain banned substances. Beware 'vitamins preparations which can be purchased here or overseas. There is no legal requirement for manufacturers to list all the contents of food supplements. Therefore, it is difficult to determine whether they would contravene the doping regulations as all ingredients may not be indicated, and indeed may vary from batch to batch.
If you are not sure, do not take it.



Stay Strong~~!!!
IPL