Viagra as a Sports Supplement

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how Sildenafil, or Viagra, has been gaining popularity among athletes to enhance their athletic performance. The paper explains the mechanisms involved in exercise and outlines the effects of Viagra on exercise, lung capacity and hemodynamics. The paper also explores the physiologic effects of Viagra and its therapeutic uses and shows why the banning and testing of Viagra is a complex issue. The paper is of the opinion that the drug's potential as a doping agent must not be ignored.

Outline:
Doping and the Popularity of Viagra as a Sports Supplement
The Physiology of Exercise
The Physiologic Effects of Viagra and its Therapeutic Uses
The Effects of Viagra on Exercise, Lung Capacity, and Hemodynamics
The Controversy of Viagra and Sports

From the Paper:

"Throughout history, athletes of various sports such as bicycling, racing, sprinting, and weightlifting, have taken substances that help them enhance their performance and endurance. Initially, the practice of doping was an indiscreet secret, and is currently gaining much attention from authorities. According to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), doping is defined as the use or attempted use, or possession of a prohibited substance in order to enhance sports performance, but violates the spirit of the sport (WADA, 2008). There are numerous drugs that have been abused by athletes. Stimulants are known to increase alertness, competitiveness, and aggressiveness. Substances such as amphetamines and cocaine are used as a sports supplement to enhance the athlete's endurances, sharpen reflexes, and reduce tiredness (FIFA.com, 2008)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bocchi, E. A., Guimaraes, G., Mocelin, A., Bacal, F., Bellotti, G., and Ramires, J. F. (2002). "Sildenafil effects on exercise, neurohormonal activation, and erectile dysfunction in congestive heart failure." Circulation, 106: 1097-1103.
• Cheng, M. (27 June 2008). "Athletes may be using Viagra for competitive edge." MSNBC.com. [Online.] Retrieved 4 July 2008 from the Web site: http://www.stumbleupon.com/demo/?review=1#url=http://www.msnbc.msn.excom/id/25409440/
• FIFA.com. (2008). All about doping. [Online.] Retrieved 5 July 2008 from the Web site: http://en.fifa.com/aboutfifa/developing/medical/newsid=514046.html
• Frost, M. (June 2008). Viagra boosts athletic performance. [Online.] Retrieved 5 July 2008 from the Web site: http://www.martinfrost.ws/htmlfiles/june2008/viagra_athlete.html
• Galie, N., Ghofrani, H. A., Torbicki, A., Barst, R. J., et al. (2005). "Sildenafil citrate therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension." The New England Journal of Medicine, 353: 2148-2157.

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