ACSM
Position Stand: The Use of Blood Doping
Summary
Blood doping is
the process in which an individual artificially increases the number of red
blood cells in his/ her body. This can be achieved through physical injection
of the red blood cells to one’s blood stream; or even the use the drug
‘erythropoietin’ which accelerates the production of red blood cells in the
body (Sawka, 2010). An increase in the number of red blood cells in the body
would result in higher respiration hence production of more energy by the body.
Indeed, various researches has shown that blood doping causes higher
performance of athletes in extreme weather conditions such as high temperature
regions, high altitudes and exercises requiring more physical energy (Sawka,
2010).
However, tests
have shown that blood doping is a health hazard to an athlete. This can be
attributed to the over-straining of the body cells and also over-utilization of
the body energy reserves (Sawka, 2010). Hence, long term blood doping may
result to stroke, heart attack, heart failure or even blood clot (Sawka, 2010).
In addition, athletes become over-dependant to this doping process hence resulting
to physical weakness in the long run. Therefore, the American college of sports
medicine takes a clear stand against blood doping as it finds the practice
unfair and unethical as it exposes the athletes to several health risks (Sawka,
2010).
Critique
The American college of sports
medicine’s stand is however subject to criticism due to its ambiguous and
general form. This is because:-
Does not account for genetic
considerations
In the society,
some individuals, for example those with sickle cell anemia; are born with
genetic conditions in which their bodies are unable to produce the right
amounts of red blood cells for supplying of oxygen in the body. They are
therefore forced to increase their red blood cells through injection of the
drug erythropoietin (Sawka, 2010). This, according to ACSM standards, is viewed
as doping; hence such genetically challenged individuals are barred from
participating in athletes.
Does not consider individuals
with health problems
The ACSM stand is
more general and does not give special considerations to athletes suffering
from some diseases such as AIDS, anemia and also kidney failure (Sawka, 2010). These
individuals have low endurance to long term physical exercises, high
temperatures, high altitudes and also extreme weather conditions (Sawka, 2010).
Hence in most cases, they are forced to quit in the middle of the games. Therefore,
the strict regulations by ACSM marginalize the sick and expose them to unfair
competition.
Limited knowledge of the risks of
blood doping
Due to the strict
regulations of ACSM, few athletes are willing to voluntarily participate in the
research on the effects of blood doping to individuals (Sawka, 2010). This
leaves this area less explored since the number of research carried out on the
long term effects of blood doping is few. Thus, the stand of ACSM can be viewed
as being too harsh considering the health risks are not properly researched
(Sawka, 2010).
On the other hand,
the American College of Sports Medicine has played a key role in ensuring order
and sanity in the sports activities. By taking their stand against blood
doping, they have helped to prevent the misuse of erythropoietin drug (Sawka,
2010). In this regard, they have promoted the natural ways of increasing red
blood cells; such as, use of aerobics, more physical exercise and physical exercise
in high altitude areas such as mountains (Sawka, 2010). According to the
studies carried out in the United States colleges in 1999, sports students who
exercised in extreme weather conditions naturally increased their red blood
cells by up to 5% (Sawka, 2010). This is a clear indication that, constant
practice and exercise of the athletes would eliminate the need for blood
doping. Therefore, the ACSM stand on blood doping is an essential tool in
ensuring fairness in sports.
References
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