Ergogenic aid

An erogenic aid is anything that improves performance of physical activities beyond normally achievable levels. Chemical substances that act as performance boosters are called ergogens. They include drugs taken to improve performance during competition or to increase recovery during precontest training (this enables athletes to endure higher training loads). Ergogenic aids are frequently thought of as drugs only, but they may also be mechanical (e.g. equipment); psychological (e.g. hypnosis and mental practice), physiological (e.g. oxygen therapy); or nutritional (e.g. carbohydrate loading and vitamin supplementation).

Any application that improves physical performance, enhances responsiveness to training, or accelerates recovery. In addition to drugs, ergogenic aids include psychological techniques (such as hypnosis and mental practice), music, and nutritional substances. Anyone considering using a nutritional aid should make a careful study of the current scientific literature or seek expert advice from a sport nutritionist about the safety, efficacy, potency and legality of the product. Many claims for the effectiveness of ergogenic aids are based on individual testimonials, but are not supported fully by peer reviewed research.

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Ergogenic aids are any external influences that can be determined to enhance performance. These include mechanical aids (such as ergogenic fabrics), pharmacological aids, physiological aids, nutritional aids, and psychological aids.

Ergogenic aids may directly influence the physiological capacity of a particular body system thereby improving performance, remove psychological constraints which impact performance, and/or increase the speed of recovery from training and competition.

Examples are anabolic steroids. Ergogenic aids are not necessarily substances which are a part of naturally maintaining or re-establishing normal physiological function (i.e. water and nutrition).

See also

• Nootropics

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