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AQA GCSE · Question 11 · Socio-cultural Influences and Well-being in Physical Activity and Sport

Evaluate the effects that different performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) may have on a sprinter's performance.

How to approach this question

To 'evaluate', you need to consider both positive and negative effects. Choose at least two different types of PEDs suitable for a sprinter (e.g., anabolic steroids, stimulants). For each drug, explain how it could improve performance (the positive effect) and then describe the associated health risks or other drawbacks (the negative effect). Conclude with an overall judgement.

Full Answer

A sprinter's performance can be significantly affected by PEDs, both positively in terms of results and negatively in terms of health and ethics. One type of PED a sprinter might use is **anabolic steroids**. The positive effect is that they increase muscle mass and strength, allowing the sprinter to generate more power and therefore run faster. This can lead to improved times and winning medals. However, the negative effects are severe, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and mood swings ('roid rage'). Another PED could be **stimulants**. These increase alertness and reduce reaction time, which is beneficial for getting a fast start out of the blocks. They can also mask fatigue, allowing the sprinter to train harder. The negative health effects include addiction, high blood pressure, and increased risk of stroke. Overall, while PEDs can offer a clear short-term advantage in performance by increasing power and speed, their use is illegal, unethical, and carries extreme long-term health risks. The potential for improved performance is outweighed by the serious negative consequences for the athlete's health and the integrity of the sport.
Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) are substances used by athletes to illicitly improve their performance. - **Anabolic Steroids**: Mimic testosterone, promoting muscle growth and strength. Ideal for power events like sprinting. Side effects include liver damage, heart problems, and psychological disturbances. - **Stimulants**: Increase activity of the central nervous system, enhancing alertness, focus, and reaction time, while masking fatigue. Side effects include anxiety, insomnia, addiction, and cardiovascular problems. - **Human Growth Hormone (HGH)**: Stimulates muscle growth and aids recovery. Side effects include joint pain, diabetes, and heart disease. The evaluation must recognise that while these drugs can lead to faster times, they are banned for being against the spirit of sport and for posing significant health dangers to athletes.

Common mistakes

Only listing drugs and their effects without evaluating them (weighing up pros and cons). Not linking the drug's effect specifically to a sprinter's performance (e.g., just saying 'makes you stronger' instead of 'increases power for a faster start').

Practice the full AQA GCSE Physical Education Paper 2

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