Lewis and Clark Reloaded by Mary Rose Grant

Summary Questions

1. Define an “ergogenic aid.”
2. Describe the chemistry of and biological effects of caffeine.
3. What is the role of caffeine as an ergogenic aid in endurance sports?
4. What are the adverse effects of caffeine intoxication on different organ systems in the body?
5. Explain the legal implications, if any, of the use of caffeine in competitive sports.
6. Identify the position on safe caffeine consumption and legal limits of use by organizations such as the International Olympic Committee, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the U.S. Cycling Federation, the World Anti-Doping Association, and the American Heart Association. Other organizations worth researching caffeine recommendations include:
   
   1. American Medical Association
   2. American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology
   3. Center for Science in the Public Interest
   4. International Food Information Council
   5. American Dietetic Association
   6. Mayo Clinic
   7. Medline Plus
   8. U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services/National Health Information Center (http://www.healthfinder.gov)
7. Discuss the ethical issues of using caffeine, or any other substance, as an ergogenic aid for the specific purpose of enhancing athletic performance.
8. In counseling an athlete, what recommendations would you make if they insisted on using caffeine or any ergogenic aid before a sports event or athletic competition?
9. Expand the discussion of performance enhancing aids to current issues in Olympic competition and professional sports.

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